COLUMBIA  LIBRARIES  OFFSITE 

AVERY  FINE  ARTS  RESTRICTED 


AR01 498827 


History  of  the 

Original  Township  Of 

HUNTINGTON 


Past — Present — Future 
1653— 1860      1925— 1930 


ft 


ft 


ft 


ft 

ft 
to* 

ft 


ft 
ft 


ft 

ft 
ft 
ft 


ft 
ft 


OLD    YORK    LIBRARY  -  OLD   YORK  FOUNDATION 


Avery  Architectural  and  Fine  Arts  Library 
Gift  of  Seymour  B.  Durst  Old  York  Library 


/ 


A  DETAILED  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 
TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 

PAST— PRESENT— FUTURE. 

1653 — I^6o 
1925— 1930 


Compiled  by 
Guy  E.  Johnston, 
Northport,  N.  Y. 
1926. 


Auspices  of 
Northport  Observer. 


«( 


<< 


«< 


List  of  Contributing  Patrons  whose  contributions  have 
helped  make  possible  the  publication  of  this  History  and 
Proposed  Civic  Improvements. 

Bletll,  Bruno   Brooklyn 

Dinner,  Theo.  O  Centerport 

Hurling,  Chas.  E  

MacNicholl,  Rev.  W  

Oppikofer,  Katherine  

Burt,  Henry  W  East  Northport 

Gildersleeve,  L.  B  

Leighton,  Roscoe  S  

Mellstrom,  Tage  

'.rower,  Ancel  J  Fort  Salonga 

Geissler,  .Louis  F  

Jackson,  Frank  B  

Kellogg,  R.  W  

Scullin,  Vincent   

Swayne,  Francis  B  

Deans,  John  Greenlawn 

Baylis,  Willard  N  Huntington 

Bixby,  Henry  D  

Brink,  B.  Deane   

Brush,  Geo.  E  

Conklin,  Douglas  

Cortelyou,  Geo.  B  

Darling,  C.  P  

Despard,  Douglas  C   " 

Matheson,  W.  J  

Pendill,  W.  C  


<  < 


vSammis,  Chas.  E.,  Jr  

Sammis,  Theron  H  

Simpson,  Warfield   

Snevily,  M.  B  

Williams,  T.  S  

Alter,  Mrs.  Louis   Northport 

Arthur,  Scudder   

Babbitt,  Frank  L.,  Jr  

Bialla,  Edw  

Bishop,  H.  W  

Buckley,  Rev.  Ulick  O.  S  

Bunce,  Lizzie  S.  1  

Wild,  Mrs.  Edw.  J.J  

Chesebrough,  Augustus   

Chesebrough,  Thos.  F  

Cockcroft,  Mrs.  J.  D  

Collas,  Martha  Hartt  

Dennington,  R.  B  

Donnell,  Harry  E  

Foale,  H.  J  

Hendrickson,  Belle  E  

Hiltman,  J.  W  

Ingraham,  Henry  A  

Lewis,  Chas.  M  

Lewis,  Elwood  G  

Losey,  M.  D  

Miller,  George  H  

Morrell,  J.  B  

Morse,  D.  P  

Mott,  Charles  S  

Mott,  Henry  S  


Moves,  Harriet  P  

O'Brien,  John   

Overton,  Dr.  L.  H  

Robbins,  Mrs.  Harry  T  

vSaltz,  Mrs.  Max   

Schraeder,  Albert  H  

Scndder,  Charles  H  

Smith,  Oliver  K  

Steers,  Henry,  Inc  

Sullivan,  Charles  H  ■  

Young,  J.  M.  &  E.  R  

Wheeler,  F.  W  

Wheeler,  H.  R  

McKinney,  Mrs.  Loretta  F  San  Mateo,  Califo 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  5 


This  history,  on  which  a  great  deal  of  time  has  been 
spent  in  collecting  the  necessary  facts  and  data,  is  the  direct 
outgrowth  of  the  request  of  a  neighboring  paper,  for  an 
article  on  the  subject,  "NORTHPORT  75  YEARS  AGO," 
and  "NORTHPORT  TODAY,"  and  in  the  search  for 
material  for  that  article  the  great  need  was  recognized  for 
a  connected  history  of  the  entire  Township  of  Huntington, 
which  included  the  present  Town  of  Babylon  up  to  March 
13,  1872/ and  while  it  aims  to  cover  the  entire  township  it 
deals  more  specifically  with  Huntington,  Babylon  and 
Northport,  and  in  so  far  as  practicable  they  have  been 
treated  separately,  though  the  reader  should  ever  bear  in 
mind  that  the  early  history  of  Babylon  and  Northport  is 
inseparably  linked  to  that  of  Huntington. 

The  great  need  was  recognized  not  only  for  a  connected 
history  of  the  great  events  that  stand  out  as  land  marks 
in  the  lives  of  those  early  pioneers,  but  for  a  narrative  at 
once  readable  and  entertaining,  and  at  the  same  time  inter- 
esting and  instructive,  from  the  very  beginning  of  the  white 
man's  appearance  in  this  locality  up  to  the  present  moment, 
a  history  that  every  family  in  the  entire  Township  including 
the  present  Town  of  Babylon  should  have  one  or  more 
copies  of,  in  order  that  they  can  thereby,  not  only  trace 
back  their  ancestry  tu  mose  memorable  days  of  1653  but 
also  that  they  may  become  familiar  with  and  able  to  com- 
municate to  others  the  true  history  of  the  town  of  which 
they  have  the  exalted  honor  to  be  citizens. 

There  are  of  course,  histories  of  Long  Island,  but  they 
deal  very  largely  with  individual  families  and  so  far  as 
known  this  is  the  only  history  of  the  Township  of  Hunting- 
ton, which  is  of  course  the  one  in  which  we  are  directly 
interested. 


6  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


The  period  from  1861  to  1925  has  been  purposely  omit- 
ted, not  because  those  noble  heroes  who  participated  in  the 
Civil  War,  The  Spanish  American  War  and  the  late  World 
War  are  not  worthy  of  all  the  honor  we  can  possibly  bestow 
upon  them,  for  they  certainly  are,  but  for  the  reason  that  it 
would  make  this  narrative  too  long  and  too  bulky  to  be 
incorporated  in  a  volume  convenient  to  handle,  and  because 
every  city,  town  and  hamlet  has  its  roster  of  war  heroes. 

An  effort  has  been  made  to  comply  with  the  original 
request  as  to  conditions  75  years  ago,  by  listing  in  all  the 
places  in  the  township  including  Babylon,  Cold  Spring, 
Huntington,  Melville,  Centerport,  Greenlawn,  Northport, 
East  Northport,  Commack  and  Ft.  Salonga,  those  who  were 
born  75  or  more  years  ago,  and  who  are  still  living,  and  a 
second  list  of  those  who  have  arrived  at  the  good  old  Bible 
age  of  "three  score  years  and  ten,"  and  are  now  between 
70  and  75  years  of  age,  and  it  is  very  certain  that  those 
lists  will  prove  what  has  often  been  claimed  heretofore,  that 
this  is  the  healthiest  section  of  the  United  States.  Those 
lists  will  be  divided  into  three  classes : 

First :  Those  born  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  original 
Township  of  Huntington,  and  still  living  therein. 

.  Second :  Those  born  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
original  Township  of  Huntington  and  now  living  outside  of 
that  jurisdiction. 

Third :  Those  born  outside  of  the  original  Township  of 
Huntington,  but  who  are  now  residing  in  any  of  the  places 
heretofore  mentioned. 

It  is  undoubtedly  true  that  you  have  to  actually  live  with 
people  to  really  find  them  out,  or  to  thoroughly  understand 
them,  and  since  we  cannot  live  literally  with  those  that 
blazed  the  trail  of  civilization  in  the  new  world,  the  next 
best  way  is  to  consider  and  study  the  ordinances  and  laws 
with  which  they  circumscribed  themselves,  for  law  in  all 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


7 


ages  has  prescribed  the  mode  of  living  that  at  least  the 
majority  are  supposed  to  abide  by  in  their  daily  walk 
through  life. 

To  start  with  then  we  must  turn  time  backward  in  its 
flight  to  the  days  of  the  primeval  forest,  that  the  Red  Man 
disturbed  not  except  for  material  for  his  canoes  and  branches 
for  his  lodges,  and  through  which  the  moccasins  of  so 
many  generations  of  savages  had  worn  their  narrow  paths 
or  trails  until  they  were  often-times  more  than  a  foot  deep, 
back  to  those  days  when  every  male  was  an  archer  of  almost 
unerring  marksmanship  and  exceedingly  dexterous  and 
clever  with  his  spear  and  when  deer  and  other  wild  game 
were  plentiful  on  Long  Island,  when  the  wealth  of  our 
forefathers  was  measured  by  produce  and  the  number  of 
live  stock  a  man  possessed,  when  modern  conveniences  were 
not  even  conceived  or  dreamed  of,  when  it  required  almost 
superhuman  bravery  to  push  into  hitherto  unknown  terri- 
tory, there  to  build  by  means  of  clumsy  tools  a  log  cabin 
they  might  call  home. 

In  those  days  their  automobile  was  an  ox-cart  and  cart 
paths  following  the  old  Indian  trails  their  concrete  high- 
ways, while  wooden  plough  shares  tipped  with  iron,  served 
as  their  Ford  tractor  and  the  old  match  lock  gun,  the 
forerunner  of  the  old  flint  lock  served  as  their  magazine 
rifle. 

This  history  will  tend  to  unfold  to  us  a  view  of  the 
social,  political,  religious  and  inner  life  of  our  ancestors, 
and  to  our  present  generation  of  young  people,  many  things 
they  done  as  herein  related  will  seem  decidedly  queer  and 
out  of  place  in  this  day  and  age,  and  yet  it  is  not  only 
probable  but  almost  certain  that  our  manner  of  living  and 
our  methods  of  working  and  accomplishing  things  and  which 
we  now  deem  the  most  wonderful  the  world  has  ever  known 
(and  indeed  they  are)  will  appear  decidedly  grotesque  and 


8 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 


queer  and  out  of  place  to  our  precocious  posterity  of  a 
generation  hence,  in  fact  it  would  not  surprise  me  any,  if 
such  was  the  case  within  the  next  ten  or  fifteen  years. 

What  bravery  and  fortitude  were  displayed  by  tlit* 
women  of  that  day  will  never  be  known,  though  tribute  has 
been  and  will  of  course  be  paid  to  them  in  a  general 
way,  and  while  no  doubt  they  often-times  had  reason  to  ques- 
tion why  some  things  were  done,  or  why  such  and  such  a 
move  was  made,  we  have  no  record  of  any  murmuring  or 
complaint  on  their  part,  so  it  is  certain  they  were  then,  as 
they  are  now,  man's  best  friend,  his  guardian  angel  so  to 
speak,  and  the  means  whereby  the  race  has  continued  to 
ascend  to  higher  planes  of  justice,  of  humanity,  of  nobility 
and  of  righteousness. 

It  was  people  of  such  sturdy  traits  of  character  and 
bravery  that  left  England  for  the  new  world,  a  world  un- 
known to  them  and  settling  first  in  New  England,  then 
emigrated  to  Huntington  either  by  boat  from  Connecticut, 
or  arriving  from  the  wrest  by  way  of  Hempstead  or  possibly 
following  the  Indian  trails  from  the  older  settlements  at 
Southold  and  Southampton. 

We  know  not  whence  they  came  or  how  they  came, 
but  we  do  know  it  was  unquestionably  a  long  tedious 
journey,  that  would  no  doubt  and  did  try  the  stoutest  hearts 
and  from  which  we,  who  have  been  reared  in  the  lap  of 
luxury,  would  turn  away  in  fear  and  trembling. 

Tradition,  and  it  is  tradition  only,  says  there  were  i  i 
families  that  first  settled  in  Huntington. 

The  first  definite  information  that  we  possess  is  1653 
when  the  first  purchase  was  made  from  the  Indians,  but  in- 
asmuch as  Southampton  and  Southold  were  first  settled  in 
1640  and  are  the  oldest  English  settlements  in  New  York- 
State,  it  is  quite  possible  and  probable  that  some  more  ven- 
turesome souls  had  traveled  through  here  and  being  fasci- 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


9 


nated  by  the  natural  beauties  of  the  locality  had  made  their 
peace  with  the  natives  and  settled  here. 

When  the  first  deed  was  made  to  the  white  settlers  there 
were  three  Indian  tribes  in  this  vicinity,  the  Matinnecocks 
on  the  north  side  and  as  far  south  as  the  middle  of  the 
Island,  the  Marsepagues  to  the  southwest,  and  the  Suca- 
togues  the  southeastern  part. 

Raseokan  was  chief  of  the  Matinnecocks,  Tackapousha 
chief  of  the  Marsepagues  and  Resossechok  chief  of  the 
Sucatogues. 

All  of  the  Indian  tribes  on  Long  Island  had  been  deci- 
mated by  long  wars  with  New  England  tribes  to  whom  they 
had  paid  annual  tribute  in  years  gone  by,  but  at  this  time 
1653  they  recognized  the  sovereignty  of  the  Montauks, 
located  around  Montauk  Point  and  whose  chief  was  Wyan- 
dance,  and  it  was  quite  essential  in  making  deeds  to  have 
them  confirmed  by  Wyandance,  the  Grand  Sachem,  and 
several  which  were  not  so  confirmed  became  the  subject  of 
quite  some  litigation. 

Wyandance  died  in  1659  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son 
Rioncom. 

The  territory  embraced  under  the  sway  of  the  Matinne- 
cocks was  called  Ketewomoke  and  Raseokan  was  known  as 
the  Sagamore  of  Ketewomoke. 

If  the  first  settlers  knew  why  the  district  was  so  named 
by  the  Indians  they  failed  to  make  it  a  matter  of  record, 
and  neither  do  we  know  why  the  English  called  it  Hunting- 
ton, though  it  is  generally  supposed  to  have  been  because  of 
the  abundance  of  game,  making  it  a  favorite  hunting  ground 
for  both  the  Indians  and  the  English. 

There  were  three  distinct  purchases  made  from  the 
Matinnecock  Indians  who  at  this  time  according  to  the  best 
information  numbered  only  about  30  families. 

The  first  deed  was  made  to  three  residents  of  Oyster 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Bay  and  the  same  day  assigned  by  them  to  several  residents 
of  Hunting-ton. 

Unfortunately  the  assignment  has  been  lost,  but  the 
original  deed  is  still  a  matter  of  record  and  is  here  produced 
in  full.  It  shows  most  conclusively  that  the  white  man  never 
did  treat  his  red  brother,  as  he  himself  would  like  to  be 
treated,  for  this  deed  is  not  unlike  many  executed  through- 
out the  country,  in  fact  many  times  we  know  the  Indians 
possessions  were  taken  from  him  by  sheer  force  without 
any  remuneration. 

"Articles  of  agreement  betwixt  Raseokan  Sagamore  of 
Matinnicoke,  of  the  one  part,  and  Richard  Houldbroke, 
Robert  Williams,  Daniel  Whitehead,  of  the  other  party, 
witnesseth  as  followeth : 

Know  all  men  whome  these  present  writings  may  any 
way  concerne  that  I  Raseokan  do  sell  and  make  over  unto 
the  aforesaid  parties  Richard  Houldbrock,  Robert  Williams 
and  Daniel  Whitehead,  their  heirs,  executors  or  assigns,  a 
certain  quantitie  of  land,  lyong  and  being  upon  Long 
Island,  bounded  upon  the  West  side  with  a  river  commonly 
called  by  the  Indians  Nachaquetack,  on  the  North  side  with 
the  sea  and  going  eastward  to  a  river  called  Opcathoutycke, 
on  the  south  side  to  the  utmost  part  of  my  bounds  promis- 
ing, and  by  virtue  hereof  I  do  promise  to  free  the  above 
saide  lands  from  all  title  off  and  claim  that  shall  be  made 
unto  it  by  reason  of  any  former  act;  in  consideration  of 
which  land  the  afore  said  Richard  Houldbrock,  Robert 
Williams  and  Daniel  Whitehead  doth  promise  unto  the  said 
Raseokan  as  followeth :  6  coats,  6  kettles,  6  hatchets,  6 
howes  (hose),  6  shirts,  io  knives,  6  fathom  of  wampum, 
30  muxes  (awls),  30  needles,  further  the  said  sachem  doth 
promise  to  go  or  send  some  one  in  twenty  days  to  show  and 
mark  out  the  bounds,  and  in  case  it  prove  not  according 
to  expectation  then  this  writing  to  be  voyde  &  of  none 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  n 


efectt,  but  in  case  it  be,  then  this  writing  to  stand  in  full 
force,  power  and  virtue. 

Witness  our  hands  the  2th  of  April  1653. 

The  mark  X  of  the  Sagamor.       The  mark  of 


The  mark  X  0 

1   IXvVV  UlnvO 

Richard 

X  Houlbrock 

tt  tt 

X 

u  Muhama 

Robert 

X  Williams 

a  tt 

X 

"  Syhar 

Daniell 

X  Whitehead 

tt  ft 

X 

"  Povnevoa 

si  tt 

X  "  Nauamarawas 

tt  n 

X 

'  Nescehe 

It  it 

X  "  Mahenas 

a  ft 

X 

4  Yapacaman 

if  ft 

X  "  Onamycas 

a  tt 

X 

4  Scanomy 

tt  tt 

X  "  Manytony 

a  a 

X 

'  Anchopin 

The  mark  X  of  Poanepon 

it  ft 

X 

:l  Wercoccu 

n  n 

X  "  Penetun 

ft  tt 

X 

lt  Winhamas 

n  t 

X  "  Nascoret 

tt  tt 

X  ' 

'  Asgeleues 

ft  u 

X  "  Suanspac 

tf  a 

X  4 

'  Mamaram 

tt  a 

X  "  Nemapapam 

a  tt 

X  ' 

'  Worn  pom 

tt  it 

X  "  Campas 

This  is  a  true  coppe  of  the  orignall  deed  witnes  our 
hands, 

Thomas  Richards 
Moses  Johnson 
Recorded  in  the  office  at  New  York  nth 
day  of  November,  1667. 

Matthias  Nicolls,  Sec." 

The  property  included  in  this  deed  extended  from 
Natchaguetack  or  Cold  Spring  Harbor  on  the  west,  Opkat- 
kowtycke,  or  Cow  Harbor  brook  on  the  east,  the  Sound  on 
the  north  and  to  what  was  then  termed  Country  Path  on 
the  south,  and  contained  6  square  miles  more  or  less.  It 
did  not  include  Lloyd's  Neck  or  Eaton's  Neck. 

Horse  or  Lloyd's  Neck  was  deeded  Sept.  20,  1654  to 
Samuel  Mayo,  Danil  Whitehead  and  Peter  Wright  for  three 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


coats,  three  shirts,  two  cuttos,  three  hatchets,  three  hoes, 
two  fathom  of  wampum,  six  knives,  two  pair  of  stockings, 
two  pair  of  shoes. 

The  eastern  purchase  made  July  30,  1656  is  treated  of 
under  Northport.  It  carried  the  boundary  east  to  Smithville 
or  Smithtown. 

The  Indian  deed  of  Five  Necks  on  the  South  Side  from 
the  Sucatogues  and  included  in  the  Town  of  Babylon  is 
treated  of  under  the  heading,  Babylon. 

It  is  to  the  everlasting  credit  of  these  fearless  pioneers, 
that  even  in  that  day,  the  subject  of  education  was  a  very 
pertinent  question,  for  at  a  town  meeting  held  in  1657  or 
268  years  ago,  an  agreement  was  made  with  Jonas  Houlds- 
worth,  an  educated  Englishman,  then  42  years  of  age,  and 
this  agreement  is  such  a  unique  document  it  is  here  produced 
that  young  and  old  may  fully  appreciate  the  real  status  of 
the  First  Public  School  in  the  town  of  Huntington. 

"A  covenant  and  agreement,  made  the  eleventh 
day  of  February  1657  at  a  Corte  or  Town  meeting 
betwixt  the  Inhabitants  of  ye  Towne  of  Huntington, 
of  the  one  partie,  and  Jonas  Houldsworth,  of  the 
other  partie,  whereby  the  said  Jonas  Houldsworth 
doth  engage  himself  to  the  saide  Inhabitants  during 
ye  terme  of  foure  years,  to  be  expired  from  the  13 
day  of  April  next  ensueing  the  day  of  the  date 
hereof,  For  to  schoole  such  persons  or  children  as 
shall  be  put  to  him  for  that  end  by  ye  saide  Inhabit- 
ants. And  likewise  the  saide  Inhabitants  doth  also 
engage  themselves  to  the  said  Jonas  Houldsworth  for 
to  build  him  a  sufficient  house  and  to  give  him  with 
ye  said  house  a  percell  of  grounde  adjoining  to  it  for 
accommodation  thereunto.  And  furthermore  the 
saide  Inhabitants  doth  likewise  engage  themselves  to 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  13 


pay  unto  ye  said  Jonas  Houldsworth,  and  in  con- 
sideration of  his  said  schooling  twenty  five  pounds 
(English  accompt.)  and  his  diet  the  first  year  and 
also  to  allow  him  what  more  may  come  in  by  ye 
schooling  of  any  that  come  from  other  parts.  The 
said  twenty  five  pounds  is  to  be  paid  ye  said  Jonas 
as  followeth  :  Three  pounds  twelve  shillings  in  butter 
at  six  pence  ye  pound,  and  seven  pounds,  two  shillings 
in  good  well  sized  merchantable  wampum,  that  is 
well  strung  or  strand,  or  in  such  comodityes  as  will 
suite  him  for  clothing.  These  to  be  paid  him  by  ye 
first  of  October,  and  three  pounds  twelve  shillings 
in  corne,  one  half  in  wheat  and  ye  other  in  "Indian," 
at  three  and  five  shillings  ye  bushel  (provided  it  be 
good  and  merchantable)  to  be  paid  by  ye  first  of 
March.  Also  ten  pounds  fourteen  shillings  in  well 
thriving  young  cattle,  that  shall  then  be  betwixt  two 
and  four  years  old,  the  one  half  being  in  the  steare 
kind,  these  to  be  delivered  him  when  the  yeare  is 
expired. 

And  also  the  two  next  ensuing  years,  To  pay 
the  said  Jonas  Houldsworth  Thirty  five  pounds  ye 
yeare,  with  ye  foresaid  alowance  of  what  may  come 
in  by  such  as  come  from  other  parts.  The  said  thirty 
five  pounds  is  to  be  paid  as  followeth,  viz :  five 
pounds  in  butter  at  six  pence  ye  pound  and  ten  pounds 
in  such  wampum  as  is  above  mentioned,  or  in  such 
comodityes  as  will  suit  him,  these  all  to  be  paid  by 
ye  first  of  October;  and  five  pounds  in  corne  by  ye 
first  of  March,  the  half  in  wheat,  the  other  in  Indian 
at  five  and  three  shillings  per  bushel  (so  that  it  be 
good  and  merchantable)  ;  and  fifteen  pounds  in  well 
thriving  cattle  betwixt  two  and  four  years  old,  the 
half  being  in  ye  steare  kind — these  are  to  be  delivered 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

when  ye  yeare  is  expired  (being  valued  by  indifferent 

men). 

And  the  fourth  or  last  yeare  to  pay  the  said 
Jonas  Houldsworth  forty  pounds  in  such  pay  as  is 
above  mentioned  according  to  the  nature  and  time 
proportionablely,  and  at  the  foresaid  times  of  pay- 
ment. Also  it  is  agreed  of,  that  firewood  be  gotten 
and  brought  for  the  schoole  when  ye  season  shall 
require  it,  by  such  as  send  their  children  to  school ; 
and  that  the  said  Jonas  Houldsworth  shall  have 
liberty  yearly  for  to  choose  foure  men  that  shall  be 
bound  to  him  for  the  true  performance  of  the  fore- 
said engagement." 


It  certainly  is  not  a  very  difficult  conundrum  to  guess 
who  drew  up  that  very  binding  agreement. 

Produce  was  the  medium  of  exchange  then  and  for 
many  years  thereafter,  there  being  little  real  money  in  the 
country,  and  in  1679  which  is  246  years  ago,  the  Court  of 
Sessions  at  Southampton  established  the  following  rates : — 
Winter  wheat  4  shillings  per  bushel ;  summer  wheat  3  S.  6  d ; 
Indian  corn  2  S.  3  d;  rye  2  S.  6  d;  pork  3  d.  per  pound; 
beef  2  d;  oil  £  1.10  S.  per  barrel. 

In  these  good  old  days  we  sometimes  talk  so  glibly 
about,  they  had  no  stoves,  tin-ware,  plated  ware  of  any  kind, 
china,  porcelain,  queen's  ware,  no  table  cloths  or  table  forks, 
no  carpets  and  few  had  any  pictures,  wratches,  musical  instru- 
ments or  works  of  art  to  adorn  their  homes,  and  tea  and 
coffee  were  not  to  be  found  on  their  tables. 

Imagine  my  lady  of  today,  being  transported  to  that  day 
and  age,  when  the  width  of  men's  breeches  and  the  length 
of  women's  dresses  were  all  regulated  by  law. 

It  would  no  doubt  seem  as  if  we  were  living  in  another 
world  if  we  had  to  get  along  without  forks  and  our  silver 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  15 


spoons,  but  my,  my,  what  a  care  free  conscience  they  pos- 
sessed, for  they  were  not  burdened  with  the  responsibility 
of  reading  through  a  book  of  300  or  400  pages  on  "Eti- 
quette" to  find  out  whether  they  should  eat  peas  and  beans 
with  a  fork  or  spoon,  and  the  men  didn't  have  to  worry 
whether  the  creased  trousers  and  cuffs  of  today,  should  bag 
at  the  knee  and  have  no  cuffs  to-morrow. 

Then  men  had  to  braid  their  hair  and  powder  their 
wigs,  but  incessant  worry  and  responsibility  and  a  desire 
to  keep  up  to  the  pace  demanded  by  society  has  wrought 
a  most  wonderful  change,  until  today  many  of  them  are 
uncertain  whether  to  use  a  brush  or  a  towel  in  combing 
their  hair. 

Truly  those  days  were  not  without  their  compensations, 
and  while  they  lacked  many  of  the  conveniences  that  we 
deem  are  indispensable  today,  and  while  those  sturdy 
pioneers  worked  early  and  late,  and  worked  hard,  yet  me 
thinks  they  retired  with  a  care  free  mind  and  conscience, 
no  vexing  business  problems  disturbed  their  slumber  and 
they  awoke  as  fresh  as  a  daisy  to  pursue  their  daily  tasks, 
and  after  all  that  is  about  all  we  do  even  today,  and  while 
ostensibly  we  work  only  eight  hours  we  are  as  a  nation 
and  people  probably  working  on  the  average  18  or  20  hours 
a  day,  for  the  demands  of  business,  and  pleasure  and  society 
and  fraternal  and  club  life  draw  heavily  upon  us,  and  we 
retire  late,  only  to  arise  in  the  morning  to  repeat  the 
experiences  of  yesterday. 

I  am  wondering  how  our  auctioneers  of  today,  who  can 
hear  a  bid  near  by,  or  on  the  outskirts  of  the  crowd  that 
no  one  else  heard,  would  like  to  sell  property  under  the  fol- 
lowing conditions : 

It  is  recorded  that  the  salt  meadows  at  the  head  of  Cold 
Spring  Harbor  were  "sold  at  an  outcry  by  an  inch  of 
candle." 


10 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


The  practice  being  for  the  auctioneer  to  light  a  piece 
of  candle  an  inch  long,  and  the  person  who  put  in  the  last 
bid  as  the  last  flicker  of  the  candle  expired  took  the  property. 
This  was  the  custom  that  was  followed  for  many  gener- 
ations at  auction  sales  of  property. 

A  couple  desiring  to  elope  could  not  on  a  moment's 
notice»be  married  at  "The  little  church  around  the  corner," 
but  they  must  have  their  names  called  three  successive 
Lord's  days  in  the  meeting  house  in  the  parish  where  they 
resided,  or  obtain  a  license  from  the  governor;  they  could 
then  be  married  by  a  "minister"  or  a  "Justice  of  the  Peace," 
provided  "they  purge  themselves  by  oath  before  the  minister 
cr  justice  that  they  are  unmarried,"  and  any  one  taking  a 
false  oath  of  this  kind  was  liable  to  the  punishment  pre- 
scribed by  law,  viz : — "be  bored  through  the  tongue  with  a 
hot  iron." 

The  reason  for  some  of  our  roads  being  so  crooked  is, 
that  the  first  roads  naturally  followed  the  Indian  paths  or 
trails  and  it  is  stated  that  they  were  narrow  and  the  feet  of 
so  many  generations  of  aborigines  had  trodden  them,  that 
the  ground  was  worn  away  to  the  depth  of  a  foot  or  more 
so  they  could  be  followed  on  the  darkest  night  without  diffi- 
culty. 

The  laws  were  extremely  rigid  in  those  days  and  must 
have  been  obeyed  by  practically  every  one,  as  the  records 
fail  to  disclose  any  persons  that  were  put  to  death. 

W  hile  they  may  appear  to  be  very  harsh  and  some  might 
term  them  inhuman  and  cruel,  they  seem  to  have  been  very 
effective  and  nobly  served  the  purpose  for  which  they  were 
created. 

There  were  eleven  crimes,  the  violation  of  which  was 
punishable  by  death.  Among  them  were  murder,  bearing 
false  witness,  maliciously  to  cause  a  conviction  in  a  capital 
case,  expressly  denying  the  true  God,  denying  the  authority 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUXTINGTOX 


of  the  king  or  raising  armies  to  resist  him,  children  over 
16  smiting  their  parents,  forgery  and  arson.  Burglary  and 
highway  robbery  were  punishable  as  follows :  First  offense, 
branding  on  the  fore-head ;  second  offense,  branding  as  before 
and  whipping  severely ;  third  offense,  death.  Stealing  clothes 
hanging  out  to  dry  or  robbing  orchards  or  gardens,  the 
offender  was  publicly  whipped.  Stealing  boats,  cows  or  hogs 
was  followed  by  cutting  off  one  of  the  offender's  ears. 
Firing  woods  was  punishable  with  20  stripes,  lying  or  pub- 
lishing false  news  with  seven  hours  in  the  stocks  or  not 
exceeding  40  stripes.  Gamblers,  drunkards  and  disorderly 
persons  were  put  in  the  stocks  or  whipped.  Every  town 
was  required  to  have  stocks  erected  in  the  most  public  place. 
The  constable's  fee  for  whipping  was  two  shillings  and  six- 
pence. 

If  the  penalty  prescribed  for  burglary  and  highway  rob- 
bery was  put  in  effect  in  New  York  City  their  troubles 
would  soon  be  over  and  it  would  also  be  a  good  plan  for 
our  villages  to  adopt,  if  the  burglars  that  annually  plunder 
the  homes  of  our  summer  residents  during  the  winter  time 
could  be  apprehended. 

The  first  church  was  erected  in  Huntington  in  1665. 
As  the  church  had  no  bell,  the  service  was  announced  by 
beating  a  drum.  The  seats  and  even  the  pulpit  were  roughly 
constructed,  no  carpet  on  the  floor,  no  provisions  for  heating 
the  church  in  winter,  the  people  taking  hot  bricks  or  foot 
stoves  with  them  to  the  service. 

Today  we  languish  and  almost  perish  if  the  minister 
happens  to  preach  more  than  twenty  minutes,  but  in  the  old 
days  the  service  began  in  the  morning  and  continued  until 
late  in  the  afternoon,  except  for  a  short  recess  for  luncheon. 

The  cost  of  building  the  church  and  parsonage,  the 
minister's  salary  and  all  other  church  expenses  were  put  into 
the  town  rate  of  taxation  and  levied  and  collected. 


i8         msTOkv  of  tin;  original 


It  is  told  of  one  old  Quaker,  Thomas  Powell  by  name, 
that  he  would  constantly  rebel  against  paying  taxes  to  sup- 
port a  religion  in  which  he  disclaimed  all  interest.  He  . 
refused  to  pay  six  years  taxes,  1 676-1681  amounting  to 
£8,  15S.  10  d.,  but  such  pressure  was  brought  to  bear  upon 
him,  that  it  seemed  the  only  alternative  left  him  was  to  pay 
up,  or  leave  town.  He  decided  to  pay  and  remain  in  Hunt- 
ington. 

When  we  stop  to  consider  the  simple,  rough,  primitive, 
unattractive  church  of  that  day,  and  the  comfort  and  ele- 
gance of  cushioned  pews  and  velvet  carpets  and  pipe  organs 
of  the  church  of  today,  the  contrast  is  very  great  indeed, 
but  we  must  remember  that  many  of  them  had  left  England, 
in  order  that  here  they  might  worship  God  according  to  their 
conscience,  and  so  they  manifested  a  zeal,  and  energy  and 
devotion  that  would  overcome  any  and  all  obstacles,  and 
that  neither  length  of  sermon  or  distance  to  be  travelled 
could  in  nowise  dim,  and  that  gave  to  their  religion  a 
charm  and  attractiveness  and  beauty  that  the  modern  church 
with  all  its  facilities  can  hardly  hope  to  supply. 

The  first  will  mentioned  in  the  Town  Records  is  a  most 
interesting  document. 

It  was  the  will  of  Jeffrey  Este  who  resided  at  Salem  in 
1637,  afterward  at  Southold  and  was  an  old  man  when  he 
moved  to  Huntington.  His  children  were  Tonsfield,  Isaac 
and  Catherine.  Just  imagine  yourself  to  be  the  daughter 
and  see  how  long  it  takes  you  to  figure  out  your  inheritance. 

It  also  appears  that  a  good  bed  in  those  days  was  a 
priceless  heritage  and  even  now  is  not  a  thing  to  be  despised 
as  those  who  have  travelled  will  bear  testimony.  Here  is 
the  will  verbatim. 

Jefery  Este  deseased  the  4th  of  Jenuary  57  haveing 
mad  his  will  and  desposed  of  his  estat  as  follueth : 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUXTIXGTON 


19 


1 —  he  gave  to  his  son  Isak  Easte  sholld  have  A  bedd  and 
all  that  thar  unto  belonging. 

2 —  20  shillings  in  shewes  or  if  henry  skodar  so  can  to 
his  dafter. 

3 —  he  bequeathed  his  house  and  lote  to  Jonathan  Skodar 
the  son  of  henary  skodar  and  his  father  to  be  his  gardenar 
till  his  son  come  the  age  of  21  yeares  and  the  rest  of  his  estat 
to  Henary  skodar  of  huntington.  I  henary  Skodar  being 
exetar  in  the  presunt  of  thes  witneses  the  23  of  Jenunry  59. 

Jonas  Wood. 
Thos.  Bennydick. 

There  were  some  very  interesting  experiences  and  prob- 
lems that  the  Court  Records  disclose,  particularly  of  one 
Sarah  Sooper  or  Soper.  The  first  one  about  1668.  Remem- 
ber these  are  occurrences  that  did  not  take  place  a  thousand 
miles  away,  but  right  in  our  own  town. 

— "Marke  Megs  plaintive  Against  Sarah  Sooper  wife  of 
henry  Sooper  Defendant  in  an  accon  of  Molestacon.  the 
plaintive  Declareth  that  shee  Coming  to  my  house  in  a 
"violent  mannar  Contrary  to  order  given  her  by  ye  augh- 
thoritie  to  the  contrary,  betterly  Raileing  and  vehemently 
prevoking  me  by  words  saying  shee  was  come  to  dame  mee 
and  that  I  was  a  damde  ould  devill  and  A  Rogue  if  I  did 
not  throw  her  into  the  fire  and  her  husband  stood  by  her  and 
did  not  Rebuke  her  for  it  which  I  shall  prove. 

The  Court  finds  for  the  plaintive  in  every  Branch  of  the 
Declaracon  that  the  Defendant  hath  Raishly  and  unreason- 
ably ansured  Marke  Megs  for  which  the  defendant  is  to 
give  public  satisfaction,  secondly,  in  slanderous  Lyes 
against  Mark  Megs  as  hee  proved  ffor  which  offence  the 
Defendant  is  to  sit  in  the  stoks.  Lastly  for  Molesting  the 
plaintive  in  Coming  to  his  hous  and  Raileing  Against  him 
in  A  very  unreasonable  mannor  when  shee  was  Commanded 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 


By  aughthoritie  to  the  Contrary,  ffor  which  Contempt  the 
defendant  to  sit  in  the  stocks. 

The  plaintiff  to  pay  Cost  of  Court  in  Respect  the  Defen- 
dant suffers  the  Law.  and  if  alsoe,  if  the  defendant  p'sist 
in  such  a  Raileing  and  Revileing  manonr  that  the  Complaints 
coins  in  the  like  Mannor  to  Aughthorytie  that  then  the 
Defend,  to  he  Bound  to  her  good  Behaviour  or  els  to  give 
good  securitie  or  to  Bee  sent  to  prisson. 

the  Defendant  sarah  Sooper  Charged  Marke  Megs  the 
plaintive  that  hee  would  Murder  her  and  that  shee  now 
gave  notice  of  it  that  after  it  was  Don  it  might  bee  knowne." 


Neither  the  threat  of  sitting  in  the  stocks,  being  sent  to 
prison  or  being  murdered  by  Marke  Megs  seemed  to  phase 
the  indomitable  Sarah  as  witnesseth  the  following  Marcli 
T672,  4  years  later. 


— "At  a  Court  held  in  huntington  on  the  13th  Daie  off 
march  in  the  twentie  fowerth  of  the  Raine  of  our  souvf. 
Lord  Charls  the  second  King  of  great  Briton,  france,  and 
Ireland  etc.  Anno:  Dom.  1672.  By  Capt.  John  Maning 
Justice  of  the  pease  and  high  Sheirfe  off  York  sheare  and 
Mr.  Jonas  Wood  Justice  of  the  peace  and  the  overseers  of 
the  sd.  towne.  Whereas  Marke  Megs  and  Avis  his  wife 
p'sented  A  complaint  against  Sarah  Sooper  wife  of  henry 
sooper  for  her  veyarious  carradges  towards  the  complainants 
and  for  former  miscarradges  and  abuse  of  Aughtoritie 
whereby  the  said  Sarah  sooper  Laye  under  the  sentance  off 
a  towne  Coort  for  Corparall  punishment  and  it  was  not 
inflicted. 

This  Coort  have  therefore  ordered  that  if  the  sd.  sarah 
sooper  wife  or  henry  sooper  pursist  in  turbelence  of  sperit 
without  Reformacon  that  for  the  first  offence  whether  con- 
tempt of  Aughthoritie  or  abuse  of  her  Naighbours  for  the 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


21 


first  offence  committed  by  her  the  sd.  Sarah  to  Receve 
fifteene  stripes  forthwith  after  Complaint  Bee  made  to 
Aughthoritie  at  the  Most  public  place  in  the  towne. 

Alsoe  Whereas  henry  sooper  Complained  against  Marke 
Meges  for  provokeing  him,  the  Coort  see  cause  to  Lay  a 
fine  of  six  shillings  and  eight  pence  uppon  him  the  sd.  megs 
for  his  Breach  of  the  peace. 

Alsoe  that  henry  sooper  for  his  abuesfull  carradge  and 
provocacons  against  Mark  megs  in  his  hous  and  against 
the  said  megs  this  Coort  hath  ordred  that  him  the  sooper 
shall  paye  all  charges  herein  that  it  may  for  the  future  time 
take  warning  that  hee  Commit  no  more  such  folly." — 

Evidently  Sarah  and  Henry  just  doted  on  being  in  the 
limelight  and  where  else  could  they  shine  more  than  in  the 
court  room,  and  what  difference  would  a  little  matter  of 
fifteen  stripes  make,  particularly  if  not  inflicted,  and  so 
they  developed  a  real  spirit  of  adventure  and  excitement 
and  in  their  final  act  seemed  to  have  passed  off  the  stage 
for  good.  What  controversies  or  quarrels  they  may  have 
had,  what  depredations  they  may  have  committed  or  what 
crimes  may  have  been  laid  at  their  door  since  1672  it  all 
evidently  culminated  in  one  great  court  scene  in  Sept.  1676 
as  follows. 

Att  a  Court  held  in  Huntington  the  nth  of  Sept.  1676 
by  the  constable  &  overseers  of  the  same  towne  they  being 
Tames  Chetchester  Const. 


Joseph  Whitman 


Samuell  Tittus 
Jonas  Wood 
Tho.  Powell 


over- 


seers. 


' 'Simon  lane  Plant,  against 
Henry  Soper  and  his  wife  Defts. 


22 


HISTORY  OF  TIIK  ORIGINAL 


The  plant,  declares  that  the  defendents  have  confest  that 
they  did  fetch  away  fruit  from  the  orchard  of  Jacob  Walker 
and  would  fetch  away  more  in  spite  of  his  teeth  and  when 
I  demanded  of  them  why  they  stole  my  apples  they  replyed 
they  had  as  much  right  to  them  as  I  and  would  fetch  them 
away  in  spit  of  my  teeth  for  they  were  common,  this  being 
the  ioth  of  this  Instant. 

The  depossission  of  John  Rogers  aged  36  years,  this 
deponent  testifieth  that  hee  was  in  the  orchard  and  Hen 
Soapers  boy  was  a  top  of  the  peach  tree  without  the  fence 
soe  Mr.  lane  said  to  the  boy  Sarra  will  you  never  leave  of 
your  theefing  trickes,  then  soaper  hee  replied,  who  doe  you 
call  theef,  lane  replied,  you  I  call  theef  that  has  taken  away 
my  fruit  daly  &  howerly,  soaper  replied  you  roge  I  have  as 
much  to  doe  here  as  thou  hast,  upon  that  lane  fetched  a 
stick  and  bid  soaper  goe  off  his  ground  or  else  he  would 
make  him  goe  of,  soaper  replied  it  was  common  and  hee 
would  stay  there  in  spit  of  his  teeth,  then  soapers  wife  com 
and  said  lane  what  hast  thou  to  doe  here  more  than  wee, 
yea  lowsey  Roge  pay  mee  what  thou  owest  mee.  lane  said 
to  soaper  sarra  if  I  catch  thee  here  to  marrow  morning  I 
will  shout  thee,  soaper  replied  I  have  a  goun  as  well  as  thee 
and  I'll  meet  thee  here  to  marrow  and  sarah  soaper  said  to 
lane  hee  was  a  fake  forsworne  Roage." 

The  reader  will  please  note  that  Sarah  had  the  last  word. 

Let  our  good  house-keepers  of  today  pause  and  reflect 
as  they  sip  their  four  o'clock  tea,  that  their  sisters  of  1653- 
56  had  to  pound  their  own  corn  in  mortars,  and  you  con- 
tractors and  carpenters  meditate  on  your  brothers  of  that 
age  making  their  log  cabins  and  clap  boards  with  axes  and 
cleavers. 

Of  course  that  condition  did  not  exist  for  any  length  of 
time,  and  soon  they  were  building  dams  and  erecting  mills 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


23 


to  grind  their  grain  and  saw  their  lumber,  tanneries  were 
built  and  looms  and  spindles  either  manufactured  or  pur- 
chased for  making  flaxen  and  woolen  garments. 

Rev.  Wm.  Leverich  who  had  preached  at  Boston,  Ply- 
mouth, Duxbury,  Sandwich  and  Oyster  Bay  came  to  Hunt- 
ington about  1657  and  was  the  only  minister  there  until 
1670.  He  is  reported  to  have  erected  the  first  mill  at  the 
head  of  Huntington  Harbor  on  Mill  Dam  Lane. 

The  following  record  deals  with  what  constituted  the 
principal  imports  from  the  East  India  Islands  at  that  time, 
namely,  rum,  wine  and  sack. 

Court  Record  about  1658. 

The  deposition  of  mark  mags  taken  befor  Jonas 
Wood,  this  deponent  sayeth  that  about  agust  in  the  yere 
58  or  when  we  ware  a  weding  of  indian  corn,  Thomas 
mathues  cam  to  this  deponent  and  desired  hem  to  hellp  abord 
a  but  of  rum  and  a  pip  or  2  of  windes  that  Jonas  Wood 
and  Edward  Highbe  had  bought  of  his  cosen  and  this 
deponent  went  to  mr  mathues  house  and  he  desired  him  to 
hellp  in  with  pipe  of  rum  and  a  pip  or  2  of  windes  which 
jonas  wood  and  Edward  highbe  had  bought  of  hem  and  so 
this  deponent  asked  mr.  mathues  if  he  had  don  and  Mr. 
Mathues  answared  stay  he  colld  not  tell  and  this  deponent 
and  jonas  wood  and  Mathues  sate  downe  and  Mr.  Mathues 
sayd  to  Edward  highbe  com  hellper  and  they  2  went  a  sid 
that  is  to  say  Mr.  Mathues  and  Edward  highbe  and  we 
sate  to  gethar  and  take  a  pip  of  tobackow  so  when  Mr. 
Mathues  and  Edward  highbe  had  ended  thayr  discorse  they 
had  them  hoyst  in  the  rest  of  the  wine  and  this  deponent 
further  sayeth  that  he  undar  stod  no  partnarship  betwixt 
them  thre  but  only  that  Ead  highbe  and  jonas  wood  had 
boute  a  pip  of  rum  and  a  pipe  or  2  of  sacke  and  that  without 
referance  to  any  partnarship  with  Mr.  Mathues. 


24 


HISTORY  ()K  THE  ORIGINAL 


Edward- Hi ghbee  apparently  possessed,  "sum  neck,"  as 
evidenced  by  the  following  Court  Record. 

Thos.  Scudder  vs.  Edward  Higbee. 
Thomas  Skodar 

plaintive 
against 
Eadward  higbe 

defendant 

in  an  ackcion  of  defamasion  to  the  damag  of  a  hundred 
pound  the  plaintive  declaimeth  that  Eadward  higbe  has 
charged  hem  that  he  and  his  wife  are  both  in  fere  of  their 
lifes  of  the  plaintive,    the  defendant  ownes  the  charg. 

the  17  of  ocktto  1660. 
thomas  skodar  plaintive  against  Eadward  higbe  defendant 
in  an  ackcion  of  slandar  to  damag  of  twenti  pound  the 
plaintive  declameth  that  the  defendant  charged  hem  with 
the  houlding  of  hem  by  the  throt  hallf  an  oure.  the 
deposition  of  good  Laten.  he  deposeth  that  good  higbe  sed 
that  thomas  skodar  tok  hem  by  the  throt  and  helld  hem  hallf 
an  ouar  or  thar  about  and  all  most  throtelled  hem. 

for  the  first  ackion  of  the  cort  Thomas  skodars,  Eadward 
higbe  is  to  give  publick  satis f ackcion  or  pay  the  Skoddar 
five  poundes  with  the  cost  and  charg  of  the  cort. 

for  the  second  the  cort  finds  for  the  plaintive  that  the 
defendant  shall  give  publick  satisfackcion  or  pay  20  shilling 
and  all  so  to  pay  10  shilling  for  his  ly  with  the  cost  and 
charge  of  the  cort. 


Here  is  an  interesting  account  where  all  power  was 
vested  in  3  men,  but'  probably  none  of  us  would  envy 
their  job. 

At  a  towne  meting  the  2  of  desambar  1661.  Mr. 
Sticklen,  and  William  Smith,  thomas  benedick  was  chosen 
by  the  townes  consent  to  end  any  difference  between  naybar 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  25 


and  naybar  in  and  by  every  waye  untill  the  next  court  of 
election  (or  session)  at  harford  and  in  case  the  delinquent 
refuse  to  apare  before  them  to  answar,  it  is  the  townes  mind 
that  either  of  them  shall  have  power  to  grante  a  warrant 
or  warants  to  compell  him  or  thay  to  make  thare  aparance 
and  stand  to  the  award  and  all  so  it  is  agreed  that  the 
plaintive  and  defendant  shall  have  liberty  to  chuse  either  of 
them  a  man  to  have  the  hering  and  thar  vote  desiding  the 
mater  of  difference  betwixt  them  and  in  case  thare  bee  any 
crimmall  cas  committed  by  any  person  or  persons  of  the 
towne  or  any  stranger  that  shall  com  to  toune  and  any  way 
transgrese  thay  above  mencioned  to  have  power  to  call  in 
such  as  they  thinke  mete  to  asist  them  in  the  matar  depend- 
ing, and  also  it  was  agreed  that  inhabitants  shall  have  against 
strangars  and  strangars  against  inhabitants  the  benefit  of 
this  aiithoryty  so  fere  as  they  authoryty  will  reache. 


The  following  extracts  from  Town  Meetings  enable  us 
to  peer  to  some  extent  into  the  daily  lives  of  our  forefathers. 

Some  are  amusing,  some  display  an  effort  at  public 
protection  from  those  inclined  to  let  their  live  stock  roam 
at  large,  and  in  imagination  one  can  picture  some  person 
present  in  those  meetings  continually  introducing  proposed 
ordinances,  the  forerunner  so  to  speak  of  some  of  our 
modern  legislators  who  seem  to  think  that  to  introduce  a 
multiplicity  of  laws  is  a  sure  indication  of  marvelous  states- 
manship. 


1 — At  a  town  meeting  Feb.  4,  1660  it  was  agreed  that 
the  widow  portar  should  have  one  acare  of  medow  joyning 
to  Tho.  Skudars  2  akers  occupying  it  so  longe  as  she  liveth 
in  the  towne. 

At  the  same  meeting  Mr.  Stricklon  and  Jonas  Wood 
and  Thomas  Benidicke  ware  chosen  magistrates  and  Jonas 


26  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

Holds  worth,  Clerk  for  Towne  and  Corte  and  Joseph  Jenn- 
inges  marshall. 


The  10  of  Aprill  1660. 
in  a  town  meeting  it  being  put  to  vote  conseining  joyning 
to  a  jeurisdiction  the  Major  vote  was  for  to  be  under 
Coniticot  jeurisdiction. 

same  meeting — Mr.  Nichlos  wright  of  oster  bay  do 
acknowlleg  that  whar  as  I  sed  Mr.  Sallton  of  oster  bay 
was  a  knafe  and  that  I  would  prove  hem  so  I  do  in  for 
this  presenc  acknowleg  that  i  did  do  hem  rong  in  speaking 
so  unadvisedly  in  speaking  that  which  had  no  ground  for 
and  do  forth  with  promis  to  pay  in  part  of  the  charg  and 
trobell  I  have  put  hem  to  that  is  to  say  Mr.  Sallton  10 
shilling  toward  the  charges. 


Richard  Latting  refused  to  acknowledge  the  authority  of 
Connecticut  over  Huntington  and  the  Court  setting  at 
Hartford  subsequently  expelled  him  from  the  jurisdiction 
on  the  alleged  ground  of  "turbulent  conduct,"  but  not  until 
some  time  after  he  was  banished  at  Huntington  as  shown 
by  the  following  record. 

the  28th  of  June  1660. 
It  wase  voted  and  agreed  at  a  town  meeting  that  ould 
Laten  shalle  take  away  his  catell  out  of  this  town  bounds 
within  a  fort  night  or  14  days  or  pay  to  the  town  10 
shilling  ahead. 

All  so  itt  wase  ordered  at  the  sam  meting  that  oulld 
lating  is  to  bring  his  catell  and  show  them  to  2  men  home 
the  town  shall  apint  before  he  drive  them  away  or  to  pay 
5  poundes. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  27 


It  was  voted  and  agreed  at  a  town  meting  the  19  of 
Ocktober  1660  that  the  inhabitans  shall  have  libarti  to  fall 
whit  ookes  in  any  part  of  the  towne  bounds  exsept  in  any 
manes  propriarty  for  the  making  of  pipstaves. 


October  26,  1660. 

A  second  acsion  comenst  by  William  ludlam  plainetif 
against  henery  whitne  defendant  in  an  acsion  of  trespas  for 
breking  the  mill  and  grinding  severall  times  without  his 
leve  to  his  greate  damage. 

the  defendant  deny  the  breking  of  the  mill  but  confessed 
he  opened  the  dore :  and  went  and  ground  his  corne,  his 
famely  being  all  sick  none  abell  to  beate,  he  went  to  inquire 
for  the  kei  but  could  not  her  of  it  for  he  was  gone  to  the 
south  and  his  family  with  himselve,  being  like  to  famish  he 
was  constrayned  to  do  it,  yet  notwithstanding  he  gave  the 
miller  his  just  towle :  the  vardit  of  the  courte  in  this  acsion 
is  this  they  finde  the  defendant  was  necessitated  to  that  he 
did  and  the  plaintiff  sufered  no  damage. 


ffebuerary  the  10th  1662. 

at  a  town  meetting  it  was  this  day  ordered  that  Thomas 
weekes  and  Thomas  Joanes  should  doe  their  best  to  by  a 
house  and  land  in  the  Towne  to  be  and  continue  the  Townes 
for  the  use  and  beniffit  of  ye  ministrey  there  in  to  enttertain 
a  minisster. 


At  a  Towne  meting  the  19  of  feberary  1662  it  was  agreed 
by  the  magar  vote  that  if  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  hunting- 
ton  shall  aftar  the  last  of  March  next  insewing  shall  ither 
by  way  of  gifte  or  paye  do  give  or  selle  entartanement  to 


-•8 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Richard  Laten  for  more  than  the  spase  of  on  weeke  every 
person  so  ofending  shall  pay  forty  shillinges  fine  for  every 
time  he  shall  ofend  in  brakeing  this  order  made  for  the  pease 
of  the  Towne. 


at  a  towne  meting  of  the  inhabitents  of  huntington 
aboute  the  7th  of  June  1662:  it  was  agreed  and  by  vote 
granted,  that  Mr.  Leverich  shall  have  all  the  meddow  that 
lyes  aboute  cow  harbor  on  both  sides  the  creeke,  for  his 
yerly  benifit,  so  long  as  he  continue  the  minester  of  hunt- 
ington. 

This  was  the  salt  meadows  at  the  head  of  Northport 
Harbor  so  they  had  the  minister  about  as  far  away  as  they 
could,  the  church  then  being  to  the  west  of  the  present  First 
Presbyterian  Church. 

June  the  7th  1662:  it  was  this  daye  ordered  that  thar 
shall  be  no  foote  way  through  goodman  chichesters  lot;  nor 
shall  any  person  or  persons  have  liberty  to  pass  that  waye 
as  formerly  withoute  leave :  upon  the  penalty  of  paying  all 
damages  that  shall  be  done  in  the  same  house  lott  in  corne 
or  otherwise. 


Applicants  for  settlement  to  be  approved. 
July  6th  1662 

it  is  this  day  ordered  by  the  townesmen  of  Huntington 
that  no  man  possing  house  or  lands  in  this  town  shall  not  at 
any  time  sell  or  lett  or  any  way  alinatte  any  part  of  such 
houses  or  lands  to  any  man  or  woman  but  such  as  shall  be 
approved  of  by  such  men  as  the  towne  have  chosen  for  that 
purpose  provided  they  receit  not  such  men  as  are  honest  as 
are  well  approved  of  by  honest  and  xpditious  men  only  such 
men  as  have  been  freely  entertained  into  the  town  as  inhabit- 
ants have  thar  libertie  to  bv  and  whomsoever  shall  breake 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


29 


this  above  mentioned  order  shall  pay  10  pound  to  the  towne. 

the  men  chosen  by  the  towne  to  aprove  of  such  as  shall  be 

presented  to  them  are  as  followeth. 

Mr.  Leverge 
Thos.  Weekes 
Goodman  Jones 
:     Will  Smith  'H 
John  Lum 
James  Chichester 

and  Jonas  Wood 
At  a  towne  meting  of  the  inhabitants  of  huntington  July 
16,  1662  it  was  ordered  that  what  man  soever  of  our 
inhabitants  being  legaly  chosen  to  the  ofice  of  a  constable 
shall  refuse  to  serve  for  the  yer  insuing  shall  forthwith  pay 
for  his  refusall  thre  pounds  as  a  fine  to  the  towne. 

At  a  towne  meting  the  27th  of  Aprell  1663  it  was 
ordered  that  all  fenses  that  are  in  generall  either  about 
felldes  or  horn  lots  are  to  be  sofisently  mended  within  3 
days  after  this  meeting  or  else  for  every  rode  thatt  shall  be 
found  defetetive  by  the  men  that  are  chosen  to  vew  the 
fense  for  every  rode  being  not  jodged  sufisent  the  owenar 
of  the  fense  shall  pay  5  shilling  fine  it  was  further  ordared 
the  same  meting  that  for  time  to  com  all  fenses  shall  be 
sofisently  repared  by  the  10  of  March  or  for  every  rode 
that  shall  be  found  defetetive  by  the  vewares  thos  that  thar 
fence  shall  be  unrepayred  the  11  of  March  shall  pay  5 
shilling  a  rod,  and  at  the  sam  meting  william  Lodlom  and 
Jonothan  Rogares  ware  chosen  to  vew  the  west  end  fenses 
and  Thomas  skuddar  and  henary  whison  to  vew  the  este 
end  fenses. 


At  a  towne  meting  the  6th  of  Juene  it  was  agreed  at 
the  sam  meting  that  the  towne  plat  shall  be  fenced  in  for 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


the  generall  good  for  keping  calfes  and  shepe  and  horses 
and  for  the  keping  hoges  out  of  the  towne  and  two  men  to 
be  chosen  to  mesur  the  ground  to  give  in  what  quantity  of 
fence  it  will  amount  to  and  Captain  sely  and  good  Finch 
ware  chosen  to  mesaur  the  fence. 

At  a  towne  meting  the  6th  of  June  1664  it  was  voted  and 
agreed  by  the  magar  vot  that  Jerry  Wood  shall  have  liberty 
to  purchas  heare  in  this  towne  and  to  be  reserved  as  an 
inhabitante. 

These  good  old  days  are  apparently  gone  forever. 

This  ordared  by  the  Cort,  held  the  3th  of  July,  1663, 
for  the  wrighting  a  warrant  4  pence,  and  it  is  further 
ordard  for  the  sarving  a  warrant  8  pense,  an  attachment 
eighten  pence  and  sirving  six  pence,  writing  an  execution 
tew  shilling  six  pence,  for  entering  an  axion,  for  the  clarke 
2  shillings  six  pence,  for  witneses  for  a  man  to  shillings  and 
for  a  woman  twelfe  pence. 

for  the  Jury  for  every  Action  six  shillinges  and  for  evry 
Action  hered  by  the  magestrates  or  Commissionars  ten  shil- 
linges and  to  the  Cort  six  shillinge. 


These  sturdy  pioneers  did  not  hesitate  to  express  their 
opinions  in  a  manner  that  could  not  be  misunderstood. 

Huntington,  february  the  21,  1670. 

To  the  Honarable  Court  of  session  houlden  at  south 
hampten  in  the  towne  of  Huntington  humbly  Manfest  thair 
Agrevences  touching  the  order  Conscerning  the  Repaireacon 
of  the  fort  James  at  new  yorke. 

May  it  please  the  worshipful  Bench, 
wee  of  the  towne  of  huntington  Cannot  see  Cause  to  Con- 
tribute any  thing  to  wards  the  Repaireacon,  of  the  forte  for 
these  following  Reasons,  first  because  wee  conceve  wee  are 
Deprived  of  the  liberties  of  english  men,  secondly  wee  con- 
ceve wee  have  little  or  noe  benefits  by  the  Law :  thirdly  wee 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  31 


cannot  conceve  of  any  benifite  or  saftie  wee  can  expect  from 
the  forte :  fourthly  wee  finde  ourselves  soe  much  Desinabled 
by  Manyfould  trobles  when  wee  thought  ourselves  in  peace 
that  wee  Cannot  Imparte  with  any  such  Desburstments. 


Abial  Titus  appointed  official  church  bell  or  drummer. 
Monday,  June  3rd,  1672. 

Being  a  training  day  it  was  then  agreed  by  the  consent 
of  the  whole  company  that  Abial  Titus  should  beat  the  drum 
Sabbath  days  in  the  fore  and  afternoon;  and  for  his  pains 
therein  the  company  consented  to  buy  a  new  drum  which 
drum  the  said  Abial  is  to  keep  in  repair  and  beat  at  all  need- 
ful times,  as  training  days  and  times  aforesaid;  for  which 
the  said  Abial  is  to  remain  rate  free  as  long  as  the  town 
see  cause. 


How  the  styles  have  changed  since  1673. 
Town  Meeting,  April  7,  1673. 

It  was  voted  and  agreed  the  same  day  by  and  with  the 
consent  of  the  town  that  the  Constable  and  Overseers  should 
do  whot  they  could  for  the  procuring  of  a  minister  and  what 
they  did  or  procured  to  be  done  herein  the  town  would  rest 
satisfied;  and  so  left  it  wholly  to  their  disposing. 

Town  Meeting,  Janeruary,  16,  1676. 

It  was  this  day  also  ordered  by  the  major  parte  of  the 
toune  that  the  Constable  and  overseers  together  with  good- 
man  Conklin,  Isaaik  plat  &  Jonas  wood  shall  in  the  tounes 
behalf  seriously  give  Mr.  Jones  an  invitation  and  fully  to 
manifest  their  desires  for  his  continuing  to  despense  the 
word  of  god  and  what  more  is  dutie  in  the  ministeriall 
offise  amongst  us  of  huntington  and  what  further  may  bee 
requisite  for  incorragment  to  the  aforesaid  end. 


32  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

It  is  ordered  by  the  major  part  of  the  tonne  that  Mr. 
Jones  shall  have  for  himself  and  his,  for  his  encorragment 
four  ever  twenty  acers  of  upland  to  bee  his  and  remaine  his 
lor  ever,  where  hee  shall  think  best,  not  infrenging  highways 
waterring  plases  according  to  the  tonne  true  intent. 


A  good  "Liver"  in  the  good  old  days  was  preferable. 

Bee  it  known  to  all  men  by  these  presents  that  I  Robert 
Johnson  and  mary  his  wife  hath  freely  given  a  sonn  called 
by  the  name  of  Benjamin  Johnson  unto  Thomas  Whitson 
and  martha  his  wife  till  hee  come  of  age  and  that  the  said 
Thomas  Whitson  shall  not  dispose  of  the  said  child  nnto 
any  person  without  it  bee  to  a  good  traide  and  a  consiensius 
man  and  a  good  Liver  and  that  ye  said  thomas  shall  bring 
him  up  to  Readding,  Righting  sifering.  In  witness  hereof 
1  have  heer  unto  sett  to  my  hand,  the  above  said  promased. 
1  doe  hope  to  perform  as  witness  my  hand. 

June  ip,  1 686.  Thomas  Whitson. 


Huntington    Jeneuary  2th  1683. 

A  town  Court  being  then  held  by  his  majst  authority. 

Complaint  being  then  made  to  ye  constable  &  overseers 
conserning  John  finch  senior  That  he  is  deprived  in  some 
measure  of  his  Intuelectuls,  and  that  he  is  very  subject  to 
swounding  fits :  And  that  he  is  very  much  given  to  extrave- 
gent  courses  of  drinking  strong  drink  where  by  he  is  like 
to  come  to  want  and  the  Town  like  to  be  burdened  by  him. 
The  Constable  &  Overseers  haveing  taken  the  same  into  their 
serious  consideration  of  the  dangerous  consequences  that 
may  follow  such  impotentcy  and  extravegency  do  order  that 
all  ye  known  Estate  that  ye  said  John  finch  hath  in  his  pres- 
ent possession  shall  be  attached  by  warrant  and  secured  and 


TOW X SHIP  OF  HUXTIXGTOX 


33 


presarved  and  improved  as  the  Constable  &  Overseers  shall 
think  best  for  ye  livelyhood  and  mantanence  of  ye  said  John 
rinch  whereby  he  may  not  suffer  nor  the  Town  be  damnefied. 
John  Corey,  Isaac  Piatt 

Clerk.  Epenetus  Piatt 

Thos.  Whitson 
James  Smith. 


John  mathews  of  this  town  departed  this  Life  the  7th 
day  of  desember  1686. 
Dec.  11,  1686 

An  account  taken  of  the  estate  of  John  mathews  de- 
ceased. 

Apprized  by  phillip  udall  and  John  Scidmore,  Senior  the 
nth  of  Desember  1686. 

lb.    s  d 

one  Iern  kettle  and  tramell  att  12  00 

It  a  horse  att  .02    05  00 

it  an  old  cowe  .02    00  00 

it  an  old  chest  and  other  small  things  .01  00  00 
owned  by  us  ) 

Phillip  Udall  ) 

John  Scidmore  ) 


) 


This  account  was 
exsepted  of  as 


legall. 


huntington  Jan  ye  29th  1682. 

Return  Davis  aged  about  45  yeres  testfieth  that  upon  a 
Lords  day  not  long  since,  towards  night  In  my  hous  heard 
ye  sound  of  a  hors  troting.  I  looked  out  and  saw  Robart 
Kellam  cn  hors  back  coming  from  oyster  bay  haveing  a  bag 
under  him  which  had  ye  like  of  6  pecks  in  it  as  I  thought 


34 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


&  I  supposed  it  was  meal  And  I  asked  him  why  he  set  out 
from  oyster  bay  on  ye  lords  day  to  come  home  he  said  it 
was  not  lords  day  for  it  was  night  I  said  look  yonder  I 
think  ye  sun  is  half  an  hour  hie  and  I  belive  you  came  out 
of  oyster  bay  about  ye  beginning  of  ye  afternoon  meeting 
and  I  told  him  I  thought  he  wold  be  taken  notis  of.  I  also 
asked  him  whether  he  had  got  his  meal  now  he  said  yes  he 
could  not  have  it  soon  anouf  to  come  horn  yesterday  and 
further  saith  not. 

In  ye  absense  of  ye  justis  sworne  before  me  p.  Isack 
Piatt. 

Thomas  weeks  being  sworn  saith  that  he  was  at  John 
Kecham  hous  on  a  lords  day  towards  night  and  I  saw  Robart 
Kellam  coming  from  oyster  bay  on  hors  back  with  a  bag 
under  him  and  further  saith  not. 

The  action  is  entered  on  ye  back  side  of  ye  23  page 

or  24. 

At  a  town  court  held  in  huntingtun  Jan.  29,  1682  by 
his  magist  authoryty.  The  members  where  of  are  Mr.  Jonas 
Wood,  Justis  of  ye  peace 
Isack  plat  Constable 
Samuell  ketcham 
Thomas  whitson 
Kpenetus  platt,  overseers, 
lames  Smith 

The  evidence  are  Thos.  weeks 
&  Return  Davis  entred  on  ye 
first  page. 

A  complaint  entered  against  Robart  kellem  for  braking 
ye  sabath  by  traveling  and  caring  of  a  burdin  and  the 
Court  finding  it  Leagely  proved. 

The  court  sentence  is  that  ye  said  Robart  kellam  shall 
pay  twenty  shilling  or  make  such  an  acknowledgment  as  ye 
Court  shall  except  of  and  pay  what  is  dew  to  ye  court. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


35 


The  court  Charges  o  12  06 
The  Constables  fees  o  05  00 
The  Clerks  fees  o    03  11 

The  following  shows  the  Puritan  inclinations  of  our 
forefathers. 

"Where  as  we  whos  names  are  under  written  have  ye 
last  winter  traveled  from  huntington  to  hempstead  upon  ye 
Lords  day  for  which  we  are  sori  yt  we  have  sinned  against 
god  and  ofended  our  neibors  for  which  we  desir  god  to  for 
give  us  and  hope  we  shall  never  of  end  god  nor  man  in  ye 
Like  maner." 

Tho.  Higby 
Edward  Higbee 
Moses  Scudder 
Huntington  June  3,  1683.    The  above  sd.  owned  &  sub- 
scribed In  ye  presents  of  ye  Constable  &  overseers  p  me 
John  Corey,  Clerk. 

April  ye  2d  1689. 

The  same  day  above  sd.  was  voatted  and  granted  to  Thomas 
Wickes  libertie  to  sett  his  barne  fowr  foott  into  ye  streett 
eastward  and  to  Run  his  fence  from  ye  south  east  corner 
of  his  barne  to  ye  place  wheare  his  gatte  post  stands  nowe. 


Desember  the  18th  1691. 
The  same  daye  It  was  voted  and  consented  unto  that  All 
swine  that  shall  bee  found  trespasing  In  corn  or  Pasture 
Land  shall  bee  Drove  to  Pound  and  the  owners  thereof  shall 
paye  all  the  Damige. 

The  same  day  it  was  voated  &  consented  unto  that  all 
those  that  have  killed  Wolves  since  thay  were  paide  for  in 
the  Countey  Rate  shall  have  fiftenne  shillings  A  woulfe  and 
for  all  that  shall  be  killed. 


3* 


1 1 1  STORY  OK  THK  ORIGINAL 


Dec.  26,  169 1 . 

It  was  voted  and  consented  unto  that  Samuel]  Smith 
shall  P>ce  Pound  keeper. 


Oct.  4,  1692. 

The  same  day  it  was  voated  &  consented  unto  that 
Jonathan  Roggras,  Jr.  shall  have  an  In  Largement  to  his 
Lott  att  Cow  Harbour  previded  that  he  makes  A  sufficant 
highway  higher  up  ye  hill  &  that  ye  Layers  out  finde  It  can 
bee  as  sufficant  a  Highway  as  now  thare  is. 

Aprill  ye  3rd  1693. 

The  same  Daye  it  was  voted  &  consented  unto  that  Mr. 
Tones  shall  have  all  that  graveley  Knowle  allowed  him  into 
his  medow  and  not  to  bee  accounted  as  medow. 


Here's  a  problem  for  the  reader  to  solve. 

The  same  Daye  it  was  voted  and  consented  unto  that  all 
ye  towne  shall  goe  out  to  cut  brush  two  Dayes  In  Aprell 
the  17. 


It  is  also  voted  &  consented  unto  that  aney  person  or 
persons  that  Doe  not  cut  brush  ye  dayes  appoynted  If  thay 
cutt  not  brush  ye  same  weeke  shall  pave  three  shillings  for 
each  Dayes  Defect. 

From  the  granting  of  a  New  Patent  to  Huntington  by 
Gov.  Benjamin  Fletcher,  Oct.  5,  1694,  town  meetings  where 
all  orders  and  regulations  had  been  made  by  the  people 
ceased  and  henceforth  all  business  was  conducted  by 
Trustees. 


An  act  was  passed  by  the  General  Assembly  ot  the 
Colony,  April  10th,  1693  changing  the  name  of  Long  Island 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


37 


to  that  of  the  Island  of  Nassau  and  the  act  provided  that 
it  was  to  be  so  written  in  all  deeds  and  legal  papers. 

An  agreement  made  in  Huntington  in  1765  or  72 
years  later  specified  the  To\v|n  of  Huntington,  Suffolk 
County,  Island  of  Nassau. 

The  change  of  name  was  made  at  the  insistence  of 
Governor  Fletcher  in  honor  of  the  new  English  King  Wil- 
liam of  Orange,  and  in  spite  of  considerable  opposition  in 
the  Assembly  and  on  the  part  of  the  people. 

There  is  no  record  apparently  of  this  law  ever  having 
been  specifically  repealed,  but  it  was  never  popular  and  be- 
came obsolete  by  disuse,  though  the  name  appeared  officially 
in  some  of  the  earlier  acts  of  statehood,  for  example  laws  of 
1789,  1801,  1810,  1813  and  1822. 

The  first  use  of  the  term  Long  Island  in  an  act  of  the 
state  legislature  is  laws  of  1792  chapter  60,  and  the  last  use 
of  the  term  Nassau  Island  officially  seems  to  be  laws  of 
1822,  chapter  241. 

The  laws  of  1828  chapter  21  provided  that  no  statute 
passed  by  the  government  of  the  Old  Colony  of  New  York 
shall  be  considered  as  a  law  of  this  state,  so  that  there  can 
be  no  doubt  that  the  present  official  name  is  Long  Island. 


The  following  appears  to  be  the  first  order  issued  by 
the  newly  created  Board  of  Trustees. 
March  24,  1695. 

It  is  ordered  By  the  trustees  of  the  free  holders  and 
commonality  of  the  towne  of  Huntington  that  no  person 
shall  take,  ues,  work  up  or  Dispose  of  to  any  out  of  ye 
township  any  timber  or  any  other  Right  Privilidg  belonging 
to  the  town  Lying,  In  Common,  without  life  from  the  town  ; 
upon  ye  penalty  of  the  forfiet  of  ye  timbar  or  other  things 
so  taken  wrought  or  Disposed  of  and  treble  the  value  of 
ye  same  to  the  town :  And  whosoever  shall  fall  any  timber 


38 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


upon  any  Land  not  laid  out  and  Doth  not  make  a  Improve- 
ment of  it  within  two  months  time  It  shall  be  Law  full  for 
any  person  so  finding  the  same  to  work  it  up:  And  it  is 
ordered  'That  whome  soever  peeleth  any  standing  trees  for 
hark  for  their  use  of  tanning :  they  shall  forfit  five  shillings 
for  every  tree  found  so  peeled. 


May  7,  1695  Joseph  Bailey,  Justus  Wickes,  John 
Wood,  Capt.  Wickes,  John  Adams,  Thomas  Brush,  Jonas 
Wood  were  chosen  trustees  for  this  present  yeare. 


Here  is  the  first  formal  laying  out  of  a  highway. 
May  the  8th  1695. 

Laide  out  by  the  survaiers  of  the  Towne  of  Huntington 
a  highway  begining  at  the  head  of  ye  wigman  swamp  six 
Rods  In  width  upland  and  so  Running  by  the  swampe  And 
Banke  side  all  most  to  the  path  of  the  beach. 

by  mee     John  Kicham. 


Aprill  ye  18th  1707. 

The  same  Day  It  was  voted  and  Granted  by  ye  trustees 
of  ye  free  holders  and  Commonallity  of  ye  Town  of  Hunt- 
ington that  the  afore  sd.  Trustees  Do  Give  free  Leave  and 
Liberty  unto  Jonathan  Scuder,  Jonas  Piatt,  Danill  Kelley, 
Eliphelett  wood,  Joseph  wood  John  Wood,  Jr.  to  build  in 
ye  Meeting  house  A  gallery  Across  ye  sd.  House  at  ye  east 
end  and  a  Long  ye  north  side  ye  Length  of  ye  new  Room 
to  them  and  Theare  Asoceates. 


May  1,  171 1. 

Whereas  at  a  town  meeting  the  first  of  May  in  the  year 
171 1  it  was  voated  in  the  town  meting  whether  they  were 
willing  to  build  a  new  meeting  house  and  it  was  a  Clear 
voat  that  it  should  be  don  by  the  town  and  that  the  trustees 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  39 


should  have  the  Managment  of  the  whole  matter.  These 
are  to  desire  all  who  are  willing  that  it  should  be  don  accord- 
ing to  the  agreement  made  with  the  town  the  day  abovsd 
that  it  should  stand  in  the  hollow  in  the  same  place  where 
the  ould  meting  house  now  standeth  or  near  there  abouts 
wold  signifye  the  same  by  setting  here  to  thire  hands  and 
fixing  the  sums  to  their  names  that  they  are  willing  to  pay 


towards  the  building 

the  same. 

£ 

S 

John  Sammis 

10 

0 

John  Brush  &  his  sons  05 

0 

Jacob  Brush 

05 

0 

John  Rogers 

20 

0 

Timothy  Conklen 

05 

0 

John  Ketcham 

05 

0 

Thos.  Brush  senyer 

08 

0 

Zebulun  Whitman 

03 

0 

nathanill  williams 

20 

0 

John  wood  hunter 

3 

0 

james  freeze 

02 

0 

Benjamin  Tedd 

1 

10 

John  Titus 

03 

0 

Edward  Brush 

3 

Henry  Titus 

05 

0 

Richard  Brush 

5 

0 

John  Conkline 

06 

0 

Jeremiah  Hibert  Juner  2 

0 

Abiall  Titus 

02 

0 

thomas  Ketcham 

4 

0 

James  Chichester,  Jr.  03 

0 

nathaniell  Whitman 

2 

0 

James  Chichester 

05 

0 

Ephraim  Ketcham 

3 

0 

Jcob  Brush 

02 

0 

Robert  Brush 

20 

0 

David  Rogers 

David  Sammis 

30 

0 

Nathaniel  Ketcham 

06 

0 

John  Ketcham  Junior 

02 

0 

daniel  Chitester 

02 

0 

Timothy  Conkline 

0 

20 

John  deanes 

02 

0 

Abiel  Titus 

3 

0 

Jeremiah  wood 

00 

3 

James  white 

3 

0 

michel  Wareng 

01 

0 

Silas  Sammis 

3 

0 

Eponetus  Piatt 

20 

0 

Thomas  Brush 

3 

0 

May  the  6th  1712  at  a  town  meting  Huntington  It  was 
voated  and  agreed  to  by  the  major  part  of  the  town  that 
the  Little  neck  should  be  Lett  out  for  ten  years  to  the 
hiest  bidder  and  John  Wickes  Juner  bid  four  pounds  one 
shilling  and  three  pence  and  no  man  bid  more  this  four 


40 


HISTORY  OK  THE  ORIGINAL 


pound  one  shilling  and  three  pence  is  tor  a  year  and  every 
year  during  the  terme  of  ten  years  and  the  money  is  to 
be  paid  in  the  month  of  march  in  every  year. 


Let  us  hope  that  the  Trustees  took  advantage  of  the 
opportunity  presented  in  the  following. 
April  1713. 

W  hereas  Robert  Macbeth  offereth  to  teach  school  in  this 
town  of  Huntington  both  Reading,  Righting  and  Areth- 
matick  we  whose  names  are  under  written  Considering 
that  Ignorance  and  Illiteratness  is  the  broadway  to 
prophainesse  and  on  the  Contrary  that  Learning  and 
virtue  is  the  way  to  true  pyety  therefore  Considering 
the  advantage  of  Learning  and  the  disadvantage  on  the 
Contrary  we  think  fitt  for  to  Accept  of  the  above  sd. 
offer  and  for  to  pay  unto  the  sd.  Robert  Macbeth 
If  he  shall  proceed  and  do  the  office  of  a  school  master 
to  the  best  of  his  skill  by  teaching  to  Read.  Right  and 
arethmatick  the  severall  sums  we  do  affix  our  names  and 
to  pay  the  same  quarterely  and  att  four  even  payments  with 
in  the  year  from  this  present  date  as  witness  our  hands  this 
— day  of  aprille  in  the  twelft  year  of  the  Reign  of  Queen 
Anne  of  Great  brittain. 


Our  present  day  Constables  would  be  busy  if  they  had 
to  enforce  the  following  ordinance. 

Town  Meeting,  May  5,  17 13. 

The  same  day  it  was  voated  and  agreed  that  the  Con- 
stable shall  take  Care  that  the  boys  and  young  people  in 
this  towne  in  time  of  servis  on  the  Lords  day  do  keep  with 
in  the  house  and  from  playing. 


March  18,  171 5. 

These  are  to  give  notice  unto  all  the  In  habitants  of  the 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


4i 


towne  of  Huntington  that  the  majer  part  of  sd  In  habitants 
Doth  agree  to  gitt  timber  for  a  new  meting  house;  to  be 
sett  upon  the  East  hill  a  Cording  to  Lott  all-Redy  Drawd  : 
Ye  sd  Inhabitants  **  part  of  sd.  Inhabitants  that  are  willing 
to  premot  such  a  Desine  may  apere  att  the  house  of  Justice 
wood  of  sd.  town  and  they  may  have  there  order  what  to 
Do  upon  the  beginning  of  next  weak  to  say  on  Monday 
morning  at  Eight  of  the  Clock  Datted  at  Huntington  March 
18  Day  and  in  first  yere  of  the  Rayn  of  our  sovarane  Lord 
george:  King  of  Gratt  Brittain  Anno  Dom  171 5. 

There  was  quite  some  dissension  as  to  whether  the  new 
Church  should  be  down  in  the  hollow  or  up  on  the  hill 
where  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  now  stands.  It  was 
submitted  to  3  ministers  Mr.  Magnus,  minister  of  Jemeco, 
Mr.  Pomarary  ministar  of  neutoun  and  Mr.  Wolcy  of 
oystar  bay  and  it  was  decided  to  build  it  where  it  now  stands. 


May  1,  1 716. 

It  was  voated  that  the  Constable  should  take  Care  that 
there  be  no  disorder  on  the  Sabath  in  the  time  of  Divine 
servis  and  to  be  paid  for  the  same  by  the  towne  yearly. 


May  7,  1717. 

The  day  abov  said  it  was  voated  and  agreed  to  sell  the 
ould  meeting  house  to  the  highest  bider  by  way  of  vandue 
and  it  was  sold  to  Jonas  Piatt  Juner  for  five  pounds  and  two 
shillings  to  be  paid  in  a  year  and  to  give  security  for  the 
payment  as  afor  sd. 


Huntington  August  the  6th  171 7. 

It  is  this  day  ordered  and  agreed  by  the  Major  part  of 
the  Trustees  of  the  town  that  Henry  Lloyd  of  Queens 
Village  shall  have  Liberty  to  build  a  pew  in  the  Meeting 
house  at  his  own  Cost  and  Charge  for  the  use  of  his  family 


4* 


HISTORY  OF  T 1 1 K  ORIGINAL 


and  his  heirs  provided  that  he  shall  not  make  use  of  that 
priveledge  to  the  introduction  of  any  minister  to  officiate 
in  sd.  meeting  house  of  any  different  purswasion  then  is  or 
has  been  usual!  in  this  place  here  to  fore  but  in  Case  he 
does  the  sd.  pew  shall  acrew  to  the  use  of  the  town  as  much 
as  If  this  priveledge  had  not  been  granted. 
By  order  of  the  trustees. 

John  Wickes  pd. 
Recorded  by  me 
Epenetus  Piatt  town  Clerk. 


Huntington  January  the  i  d.y.  1760. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Trustees  it  was  agreed  upon  By 
them  to  Provide  a  house  in  some  remote  part  of  the  town 
in  order  to  be  for  the  Benefit  for  those  that  Might  unfor- 
tunately take  the  small-pox  and  further  it  was  voated  and 
agreed  upon  by  ye  trustees  to  for  bid  all  Docters  and  people 
from  ennockalating  or  Being"  Enockaled  in  any  Publick  part 
of  this  town  without  ye  consent  of  the  Majestrates  Jus. 
Wickes  &  Just  Williams  which  is  appointed  by  the  Trustees 
where  &  what  place  they  think  propper  and  further  it  was 
voted  &  agreed  upon  by  the  Trustees  that  Jus.  W'ickes  & 
Jus.  Williams  should  Prosecute  and  Commit  any  person 
Whatsoever  that  should  Presume  or  cause  the  small  pox  to 
spread  in  a  will  full  Manner  or  thretning  in  Any  Manner  of 
spreading  the  Desease  and  whomsoever  will  not  comply  in 
this  Reasonable  and  Prudentiall  Manner  Must  be  Deamed 
&  prosecuted  as  A  ***  against  the  Civil  Authority. 

Shortly  after  the  above  meeting  small-pox  became  very 
prevalent  and  there  were  a  number  of  deaths  resulting  from 
variolus  inoculation,  a  method  used  by  Dr.  Timon  of  Eng- 
land about  1700,  whereas  Dr.  Jenner's  vaccine  lymph  was 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HjUNTINGTON  43 


not  discovered  until  1789.  There  were  two  small-pox 
hospitals  established,  that  of  Dr.  Wiggins  in  eastern  part 
of  Huntington  and  on  the  road  leading  to  Dix  Hills  and 
Dr.  Gilbert  Potter's  hospital  which  was  located  at  Cold 
Spring. 


Our  forefathers  seem  to  have  had  no  use  whatever  for 
the  comma,  and  it  appears  very  rarely  in  letters,  deeds  or 
records,  and  oftentimes  they  neglected  to  use  periods  as 
well,  and  some  words  that  should  be  capitalized  are  not  while 
many  that  should  not  be  are  capitalized,  but  no  uniformity 
or  system  apparently  existed  and  sometimes  the  same  word 
will  be  spelled  differently  in  the  same  quotation  or  paragraph. 

The  following  is  given  as  a  sample  of  letter  writing  in 
1760  or  165  years  ago.  The  reader  will  have  to  supply  his 
own  commas  and  some  additional  periods  to  make  the  letter 
run  smoothly. 

Isaiah  Willits  to  Jesse  Willits. 
Kind  Brother: 

I  received  thine  yesterday  which  reviveth  the  memory 
and  respect  which  subsisteth  I  received  thy  account  with 
satisfaction  and  can  with  some  pleasure  Inform  thee  that  I 
with  parents  and  Brother  have  settled  again  to  business  at 
our  former  homes  where  we  have  at  present  a  prospect  of 
making  a  decent  and  comfortable  Living  Brother  John  is 
settled  at  home  and  I  expect  will  continue  Brother  Isaac  is 
marryed  four  months  ago  to  a  Likely  young  woman  of  good 
repute  tho  of  Low  fortune  and  appears  likely  to  be  reason- 
ably happy  in  the  state. 

I  have  two  Little  daughters  thrifty  and  well  their  mother 
at  present  very  unwell  tho  I  hope  not  likely  to  continue  long 
so :  Father  is  not  so  well  as  common  Mother  in  good  health 


44 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


and  our  acquaintants  in  general  as  far  as  I  know.    I  con- 
clude in  hast  the  Rearer  waiting. 
I  remain  thy  affectionate  Brother. 

Isaiah  Willits. 

At  our  former  home  the  13th  day  of  the  5th  Month  1760. 

P.S.  Father  says  he  remembereth  a  discourse  and  be- 
lieveth  it  to  be  true  that  Lawyer  Nichols  wife  purchased  the 
Land  whereon  her  grandson  now  liveth  at  the  time  her  hus- 
band was  gone  to  england  on  account  of  the  Controversy 
between  the  governors  at  York :  by  seeking  into  which  dates 
and  matter  thee  may  perhaps  discover  something  that  is 
now  unknown  father  says  he  does  not  remember  huntington 
gut  being  a  common  name  for  any  inlet  but  it  seems  likely 
that  might  have  been  so  called  by  some  as  there  abouts  was 
much  frequented  by  Huntington  whalemen. 

Remember  my  love  to  sister  Clement  her  brother  John 
and  Isaac  also  desire  she  may  know  they  remember  her  in 
Love. 


From  the  following  marriage  agreement  it  is  quite  evi- 
dent they  had  no  pawn  shops  or  second  hand  clothing  stores 
in  the  good  old  days. 

Marriage  agreement  between  Reuben  Arthur  and  Sarah 
Jarvis. 

Huntington  June  the  9  Day  in  the  year  1760. 

The  Conditions  of  this  obligation  Between  me  Reuben 
Arthur  and  Sarah  Jarvis  is  such  that  if  we  Marry  I  Reuben 
Arthur  do  Quit  her  estate  all  but  five  and  twenty  pounds 
I  Sarah  Jarvis  do  Also  out  of  the  Rent  of  the  fanne  for  the 
Childs  Bringing  up  and  if  I  Sarah  Jarvis  dont  have  no  other 
Darter  Ruth  Jarvis  shall  have  my  wearing  cloaths  but  if  I 
have  other  Darters  then  the  cloaths  to  be  Divided  Between 
them  the  wearing  cloaths  &  I  Reuben  Arthur  Do  Hereby 
Bind  my  self  in  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds  currant  money  to 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  45 

stand  to  these  Articles  by  my  hand  and  seal  Before  these 
witnesses  as  I  have  chosen. 

John  Bunce.  Reuben  Arthur  (Seal) 


May  the  5th  1761  it  was  Voated  and  agreed  by  the 
Trustees  of  huntington  that  Jacob  Brush  should  have 
Lyberty  to  Build  a  samp  Mill  in  the  Meeting  house  Brook 
southward  of  the  Blacksmith's  shop  &  that  he  and  his  heirs 
should  have  the  Lyberty  and  priveledge  to  continue  the  same 
there  as  Long  as  he  or  they  shall  see  fit  and  if  any  Dammage 
acrew  by  the  water  flowing  any  Persons  Lands  he  or  they 
shall  make  good  such  Dammage  Neither  shall  he  or  his 
Heirs  stop  ye  water  to  any  Persons  Dammage. 

Jos.  Lewis  Pr. 

May  the  5th  1761  it  was  Voated  &  Agreed  By  the  trus- 
tees of  Huntington  that  Reuben  Johnson  should  have  Lyberty 
to  make  Two  Gates  one  by  his  house  and  the  other  Down 
By  the  ClefT  a  Little  southward  of  Peter  Scudders  Land  & 
that  he  the  said  Reuben  Johnson  or  his  heirs  should  maintain 
&  keep  them  in  repair  So  Long  as  he  shall  see  fit  to  continue 
the  said  Gates  ther. 

Jos.  Lewis  P.D. 


The  following  no  doubt  was  very  interesting  to  Samuel 
particularly  as  to  the  spare  suit. 

Feb.  18,  1763  an  Indenture  from  Jane  Robbert  ye  wife 
of  George  to  Bind  her  son  Samuel  16  years  to  serve  from 
ye  3rd  Day  of  May  next  ontill  he  come  to  21  years  of  age 
to  be  Bound  to  Jerome  fleet  &  his  wife  they  to  find  him 
cloaths  &  Vituals  to  Learn  him  to  read  &  to  Give  him  two 


46  HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 

New  suits  of  Cloaths  i  to   Labor  in  other  for  spare  Days. 

Solomon  Ketcham. 


Apparently  inoculation  did  not  take  well  with  the  early 
fathers,  as  witness  the  following. 

Huntington,  February  the  22nd  1763. 

Whereas  that 

Contagious  and  Infectious  Desease  the  small  Pox  hath  for 
some  Considerable  time  Past  Been  Spreading  and  still  con- 
tinues to  spread  in  Many  parts  of  this  town  Especially  By 
means  of  Innoculation  whereupon  Sundry  and  repeated 
Complaints  have  Been  Made  unto  us  the  Trustees  of  the 
town  of  huntington  that  many  Disorders  &  Irregularities 
have  Been  Commited  By  the  Carelessness  and  untoward 
Conduct  of  many  Persons  within  the  Limmets  afore  said 
whereupon  we  have  thought  fit  that  such  Disorders  should 
be  speedily  redressed. 

Therefore  we  the  subscribers  the  Trustees  of  the  said 
town  for  the  time  Being  do  ennact  that  no  Doctor  shall 
Presume  to  Innoculate  any  person  or  persons  writhin  the 
Limmits  afore  sd.  and  that  not  any  person  within  the  Lim- 
mits  afore  said  shall  take  the  Infection  By  Innoculation  from 
any  Doctor  or  any  other  person  whatever  from  the  Date 
thereof  and  further  that  not  any  one  person  within  the  Lim- 
mits afore  said  shall  Presume  to  Let  one  Person  Come  into 
his  or  her  house  Infected  with  the  Desease  By  Innoculation 
or  to  suffer  one  person  to  be  Innoculated  therein  and  further 
it  any  person  Presume  to  offend  or  Go  Contrary  to  this  act 
they  may  expect  &  shall  upon  the  Complaint  of  any  person 
grieved  to  any  majistrate  within  ye  Limmits  to  Be  Com- 
mited  or  Bound  over  to  the  Court  of  sessions  to  answer 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


47 


the  Contempt  as  the  Court  shall  think  propper,  as  Witness 
our  hands  and  seals  the  Day  &  year  above  written. 

Joseph  Lewis  P.D. 
Cornelius  Hartt 
Samuel  Stratton 
Timothy  Scudder 
Reuben  Brush 
Jeremiah  Wood 
James  Nostron 


Evidently  Mr.  Free  Peg  believed  in  getting  things  free 
even  if  he  had  to  peg  away  for  ten  years  to  discharge  the 
obligation. 

This  Indenture  made  this  twelveth  Day  of  March  1765 
Witnesseth  that  I  Free  Peg  now  Residing  in  the  town  of 
huntington  in  the  County  of  Suffolk  on  Nassau  Island  Do 
put  and  Bind  my  self,  a  servant  unto  Samuel  Stratton  Jonas 
Williams  Esq.  and  Obediah  Piatt  esq.  all  Belonging  to  the 
Town,  County  and  Island  afore  said  Being  the  overseer  of 
the  Poor  of  the  said  Parish  or  town  of  huntington  aforesaid 
to  serve  them  or  their  Heirs,  Successors  or  Assigns  for  and 
during  the  term  of  ten  years  from  the  Day  of  the  Date 
hereof  or  untill  I  have  Paid  the  full  sum  of  seven  pounds 
currant  Lawfull  money  of  New  York  with  the  Laufull 
Interest  it  Being  for  money  Paid  or  Disbursed  By  the  town 
or  said  Overseers  of  the  said  Town  of  Huntington  on  my 
account  when  I  was  chargeable  to  the  said  town  and  we 
the  said  Samuel  Stratton  Jonas  Williams  and  obediah  Piatt 
Do  hereby  Promise  for  our  Selves  our  heirs,  successors  & 
assigns  that  if  the  said  Peg  above  named  shall  pay  the  said 
seven  pounds  &  the  Interest  any  time  Before  the  expiration 
of  the  said  ten  years  that  then  this  Indenture  shall  be  Null 
Voide  &  of  none  effect  otherwise  to  stand  in  full  force 
according  as  is  set  forth  in  the  same. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Scaled  and  delivered 
In  the  presence  of 
Jeremiah  Wood 
Solomon  Ketcham. 


Free    X    Peg  (Seal) 
mark 


us 


Memorandum  that  the  sd.  Peg  above  Named  Did  form- 
erly Live  with  Capt.  Alexander  Smith,  written  Before  en- 
sealing. 


W  hen  this  law  was  enacted  it  didn't  cost  a  small  fortune 
to  buy  a  pound  of  pork  or  bacon. 

Town  Meeting,  May  6,  1766. 

The  same  Day  it  was  Voated  that  there  should  be  no 
hog  or  pig  above  two  months  old  within  ye  township  go 
without  Being  ringed  or  sufficiently  cut  in  the  nose  &  if 
any  person  shall  find  any  such  without  being  ringed  or 
sufficiently  cut  in  the  Nose  it  shall  be  Law  full  to  Drive  all 
such  to  the  pound  &  receive  one  shilling  pr.  head  and  the 
Dammage  if  any  be  &  all  shall  go  to  the  poor  of  the  town. 


May  6,  1766. 

The  same  Day  it  was  Voated  that  sheep  should  Be  keept 
and  not  to  run  out  any  where  the  ensuing  year  Without  a 
sheppeard. 


Be  it  Remembered  that  on  the  18  of  December  1772 
Departed  this  life  Airs.  Mary  Sammis  and  Willd  and  Be- 
queath the  sum  of  Ten  Pounds  Currant  Money  to  be  put 
out  at  Interest  and  Remain  without  Limitation  of  Time  and 
the  Whole  of  the  Interest  to  be  paid  yearly  and  every  year 
towards  the  support  of  the  Gospel  in  the  Presbeterine  Con- 
gregation of  this  townd  of  which  she  was  a  Member. 


Witness.    Gilbert  Potter,  Executor 
Solomon  Ketcham,  Clerk. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTOX 


49 


May  the  4th  1773  it  was  Voted  at  a  General  town  meet- 
ing that  the  Trustees  should  sell  and  Dispose  of  all  that 
tract  of  Land  in  Huntington  west  neck  called  the  Personage 
Land  and  all  the  Town  Meadow  Lying  on  the  great  east 
Neck  and  that  the  money  arising  from  the  sale  thereof 
should  be  applyed  towards  Purchaseing  a  New  Personage 
or  House  and  Lott  in  the  Town  spot  of  Huntington  for  the 
use  of  ye  first  Presbyterian  Church  and  Congregation  in 
said  Town  and  that  the  said  Parsonage  when  Bought  should 
Ly  forever  for  that  Purpose  and  it  was  further  Voted  that 
what  money  should  be  wanting  after  the  sale  above  men- 
tioned should  be  made  up  By  the  Presbyterian  society  ac- 
cording to  the  estimate  of  their  estates  in  the  said  Town 
and  that  if  no  suitable  Place  Present  when  part  or  all  the 
money  be  collected  for  that  purpose  that  all  such  sum  or 
sums  of  money  shall  be  Hired  out  until  a  suitable  Place 
Present  and  it  was  further  Voted  that  if  any  Person  or 
Persons  after  they  have  paid  their  part  or  share  of  said 
money  or  are  Interested  in  the  said  Personage  should  re- 
move away  from  said  Town  or  turn  to  any  other  Perswasion 
or  society  that  all  such  Persons  should  Lose  or  be  Divested 
of  their  Interest  in  said  Personage. 

The  property  purchased  was  to  the  west  of  the  old 
cemetary  in  Huntington  Village. 


May  9,  1774. 

Know  all  Men  by  these  Presents  that  we  Col  Piatt 
Conkling  John  wood  Jesse  Brush  Thomas  Wickes  and 
Stephen  Kelcy  all  of  Huntington  in  Suffolk  County  have 
received  of  Israel  Wood  Presedent  Jonas  Williams  Esq 
Capt  Timothy  Carll  Henry  Scudder  and  Solomon  Ketcham 
the  remaining  five  Trustees  of  the  freeholders  and  Com- 
monality of  the  sd  Town  the  sum  of  three  Hundred  and  five 
pounds,  Sixteen  Shillings  and  seven  Pence  half  peny  in 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Cash  &  Bond  being  all  the  money  that  was  raised  for  all  the 
Town  or  Parsonage  Land  &  meadow  that  was  sold  on  the 
24th  day  of  may  1773  and  whereas  it  was  Voted  on  the  4th 
day  of  may  1773  that  all  that  sd  money  should  be  applyed 
to  Buy  a  New  Parsonage  in  or  near  the  town  Spot  for  the 
use  of  the  first  Prisbiteral  Church  and  Congregation  in 
Huntington  as  may  appear  by  the  record  thereof  or  Kept 
at  Interest  untill  a  good  oppertunity  did  Present  for  that 
Purpose  and  whereas  it  was  Voted  again  on  the  3rd  day  of 
may  1774  that  the  five  Persons  first  above  Named  Should 
take  the  Care  and  Charge  of  the  said  money  and  Apply  it 
to  the  Purpose  mentioned  in  the  said  former  Vote  therefore 
we  the  said  Persons  first  above  Named  do  Bind  our  Selves 
&  our  heirs  &  assignes  that  we  will  apply  the  said  money 
according  to  the  true  Intent  &  meaning  of  the  Sd.  former 
vote  Either  by  Applying  the  same  towards  purchasing  a 
New  Parsonage  or  Keeping  the  Same  at  Interest  untill  a 
propper  oppertunity  Present  for  that  Purpose  as  Witness 
our  Hands  and  seals  this  9th  day  of  May  1774. 

Sealed  &  Delivered   '  Piatt  Conklin  (Seal) 

In  the  Presence  of  John  Wood  (Seal) 

Ananias  Carll  Jesse  Brush  (Seal) 

Joseph  Lewis  Thos.  Wickes  (Seal) 

Stephen  Kelcy  (Seal) 


The  following  very  strong  Declaration  of  Rights  was  set 
forth  at  a  meeting  held  June  21,  1774. 

1st  That  every  freemans  property  is  absolutely  his  own, 
and  no  man  has  a  right  to  take  it  from  him  without  his  con- 
sent, expressed  either  by  himself  or  his  representatives. 

2nd  That  therefore  all  taxes  and  duties  imposed  on  His 
Majesties  subjects  in  the  American  colonies  by  the  authority 
of  Parliment  are  wholly  unconstitutional  and  a  plain  viola- 
tion of  the  most  essential  rights  of  British  subjects. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HJUNTINGTON 


5i 


3rd  That  the  act  of  Parliment  lately  passed  for  shut- 
ting up  the  port  of  Boston,  or  any  other  means  or  device 
under  color  of  law,  to  compel  them  or  any  other  of  His 
Majestys  American  subjects  to  submit  to  Parliamentary 
taxation  are  subversive  of  their  just  and  constitutional 
liberty. 

4th  That  we  are  of  opinion  that  our  brethren  of  Boston 
are  now  suffering  in  the  common  cause  of  British  America. 

5th  That  therefore  it  is  the  indispensable  duty  of  all 
colonies  to  unite  in  some  effectual  measures  for  the  repeal 
of  said  act  and  every  other  act  of  Parliment  whereby  they 
are  taxed  for  raising  a  revenue. 

6th  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  meeting  that  the  most 
effectual  means  for  obtaining  a  speedy  repeal  of  said  acts 
will  be  to  break  off  all  commercial  intercourse  with  Great 
Britain  Ireland  and  the  English  West  India  colonies. 

7th  And  we  hereby  declare  ourselves  ready  to  enter 
into  these  or  such  other  measures  as  shall  be  agreed  upon  by 
a  general  congress  of  all  the  colonies :  and  we  recommend 
to  the  general  congress  to  take  such  measures  as  shall  be 
most  effectual  to  prevent  such  goods  as  are  at  present  in 
America  from  being  raised  to  extravagant  price. 

And  lastly  we  appoint  Colonel  Piatt  Conkling,  John 
Slos  Hobart  Esq.  and  Thomas  Wickes  a  committee  for  this 
town  to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  committees  of  the  other 
towns  in  the  county,  as  a  general  committee  for  the  County, 
to  correspond  with  the  committee  of  New  York. 

Israel  Wood,  President. 

This  famous  declaration  was  in  reality  a  Declaration  of 
Independence  on  a  small  scale  and  it  is  too  bad  that  history 
seems  to  be  silent  as  to  the  author  but  the  writer  inclines 
to  the  belief  that  while  it  is  headed  Huntington's  Declaration 
of  Rights  that  it  was  in  reality  written  elsewhere  and  a  copy 
probably  forwarded  to  every  town  for  adoption  and  the 


12 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


appointment  of  a  committee  to  co-operate  with  New  York 
City,  for  there  has  been  absolutely  nothing  thus  far  in  the 
proceedings  either  of  the  Town  Meetings  or  Trustees  Meet- 
ings that  would  give  the  slightest  indication  of  moving  up 
suddenly  to  such  high  standards  of  thought,  expression  or 
language. 

The  President  of  the  Board  for  1774  was  Israel  Wood, 
the  Trustees  John  Wood.  Jonas  Williams  esq.  Henry 
Scudder,  Stephen  Kelly,  Capt.  Timothy  Carll  and  Solomon 
Ketcham. 

The  committee  appointed  Col.  Piatt  Conkling  was  Super- 
visor, Thos.  Wickes,  was  a  Chosen  Commissioner  and  John 
Sloss  Hobart,  Esq.  was  a  Justice  of  the  Peace. 


May  the  2.  1775  at  a  General  Town  Meeting  it  was 
Voted  that  there  should  be  eighty  men  chosen  to  Exercise 
and  be  ready  to  March. 

The  above  was  the  first  real  indication  that  appears  in 
the  records  of  any  preparation  for  the  great  conflict,  the 
Revolutionary  War,  but  it  indicates  they  meant  business 
and  believed  in  preparedness. 

There  were  two  companies  formed  in  Huntington  and 
all  took  part  in  the  Battle  of  Brooklyn,  or  Long  Island,  after 
which  some  returned  home,  and  others  enlisted  in  the  Con- 
tinental Army. 

They  were  a  part  of  the  Regiment  of  Josiah  Smith,  and 
served  from  July  29  to  Aug.  31,  1776. 


Captain  John  Wickes  Company  was  as  follows: 

John  Wickes,  Capt. 
Thos.  Brush,  1st  Lieut. 
Nathaniel  Whitman  2nd  Lieut. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  H/U N T I N GTO N 


53 


Jesse  Ketcham  Sergt 
Timothy  Sammis  " 
Samuel  Vail 

Nathaniel  Rusco  Corporal 


Ezra  Conkling 
Stephen  Kellcy 
John  Williams,  Drummer 
John  Bennett,  Fifer 


Wm.  Sammis 
Samuel  Nostran 
Robert  Brush 
Jonas  Sammis 
Tho.  Conkling 
Joseph  Wood 
Benj.  Denton 
Phillip  Sammis 
James  Brush 
Ebenezer  Sammis 
Gilbert  Brush 
Joseph  Conkling 
Jesse  Smith 
Alexander  Bryant 
Josiah  Smith 
Joseph  Ireland 
George  Everit 
Nathaniel  Allen 


Privates 

Isaiah  Jarvis 
Peleg  Smith 
Nathaniel  Udale 
Jonas  Higbee 
Nathaniel  Jarvis 
Joseph  Jarvis 
Caleb  Rogers 
Samuel  Wickes 
Stephen  Stratton 
Obadiah  Kellum 
John  M'Gear 
Piatt  Sammis 
David  Ruland 
Nathaniel  Sammis 
Eliphelet  Chichester 
Samuel  Hart 
Enas  Bishop 
Tesse  Willmot 


Captain  Nathaniel  Piatt's  Company  was  as  follows 

Nathaniel  Piatt,  Capt. 

Samuel  Smith,  ist  Lieut. 

Henry  Scudder,  2nd  " 

John  Stratton.  ist  Sargent 

John  Carll  2nd  " 

Jesse  Bunce  3rd  " 


54 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 


James  Hubbs 

ist  Corporal 

Jedediah  Mills 

2nd 

John  Hart 

3rd  " 

Wm,  Newman, 

Drummer 

Privates 

1  nomas  Moore 

Seth  Jarvis 

Nathaniel  laylor 

John  Bayley 

Daniel  Smith 

John  Gildersleeve 

Lpenetus  Wood 

Isaac  Haff 

Israel  ivl ills 

Jesse  Weeks 

Nathaniel  Smith 

James  Abbet 

Nathaniel  Sammis 

Simon  Oakes 

Nehemiah  Brush 

James  Haff 

WTm  T\TU1^ 

Wm.  Mills 

Scudd  Carll 

Matthew  Smith 

Josah  Wickes 

Job  Smith 

T                1  T) 

Lemuel  Rose 

David  Smith 

Alexander  Fleet 

Henry  Shaddain 

T      1         T>     1  J 

Lake  Ruland 

1  ho.  Wheeler 

Mathew  Beale 

Silas  Biggs 

Wm.  Taylor 

Floyd  Smith 

Wm.  Smalling 

James  Hubble 

Nehemiah  Hart 

Moses  Soper 

James  Griffis 

Jesse  Bryan 

George  Beale 

Hezekiah  Smith 

John  West 

Nathan  Smith 

Joseph  Scidmore 

Phillip  Bayley 

Eliphelet  Hill 

Wm.  Gates 

Reuben  Arthur 

Jonas  Wood 

David  Monroe 

James  Smith 

The  first  British  troops  arrived  in  Huntington,  Sept.  ist 
1776  only  six  days  after  the  Battle  of  Brooklyn.  They 
were  the  Queen's  17th  Light  Dragoons  and  are  said  to  have 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  55 


first  camped  where  the  old  Huntington  House  stood,  which 
building  was  torn  down  a  few  years  ago,  and  the  arrival  of 
these  troops  at  about  the  same  time  as  the  following  proc- 
lamation must  have  been  a  bitter  pill  to  swallow,  after 
having  recently  adopted  the  celebrated  Declaration  of  Rights 
or  Declaration  of  Independence. 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  Suffolk  County : 
His  Excellency  Gen.  Howe  having  appointed  me  Com- 
manding officer  for  the  eastern  part  of  this  Island,  I  do 
hereby  strictly  enjoin  and  order  all  persons  whatsoever  in 
your  County  of  Suffolk,  upon  your  peril,  to  use  your  utmost 
effort  to  preserve  the  peace  of  said  county;  that  all  Com- 
mittee-men and  others  acting  under  the  authority  of  the 
Rebels,  immediately  do  cease  and  remain  at  their  respective 
homes,  that  every  man  in  arms  lay  them  down  forthwith 
and  surrender  themselves  on  pain  of  being  treated  as  rebels ; 
and  I  hereby  exhort  all  persons  to  be  aiding  and  assisting 
His  Majesty's  Forces  by  furnishing  them  with  whatever 
lays  in  their  power.  In  particular  that  they  bring  in  their 
cattle  (except  milch  cows  and  calves)  for  their  supply,  and 
their  wjagons  and  horses  for  transporting  their  baggage,  etc, 
for  all  which  they  shall  be  fully  paid,  His  Majesty  having 
sent  his  army,  not  for  the  oppression,  but  for  the  protection 
of  the  inhabitants: 

But  I  must  also  signify  that  unless  they  show  a  dutiful 
submission  in  all  respects  and  an  immediate  compliance  with 
these  orders  respecting  the  cattle  and  wagons  I  shall  be 
under  the  necessity  of  marching  the  forces  under  my  com- 
mand without  delay  into  the  county,  and  lay  waste  the 
property  of  the  disobedient,  as  persons  unworthy  His 
Majesty's  clemency. 

Will  Erskine,  Brigr  Genl. 
Head-Quarters  in  Queens  County,  Aug.  29,  1776. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Here  was  another  galling  proclamation. 

Huntington,  Sept.  2,  1776. 
Sir:-  You  are  hereby  directed  to  give  orders  to  all  the 
Kings  Capts.,  or  next  commanding  officers  of  Militia,  in  the 
3d  Bat.  of  Suffolk  Co.  to  call  their  several  companies  to- 
gether, at  the  usual  places  immediately,  and  to  order  those 
that  have  taken  up  arms  against  the  King,  to  lay  them  down 
and  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  King,  and  sign  a  roll 
of  submission,  disclaiming  and  rejecting  the  orders  of  Con- 
gress or  Committees ;  and  to  obey  the  legal  authority  of 
Government.    This  is  by  order  of  Gen.  Howe. 

O.  Delancey. 

I  have  inclosed  a  true  copy  of  the  writing  sent  me  by 
Gen.  Howe  to  Col.  Phineas  Fanning. 


Jamaica,  Queens  Co.  Sept.  5,  1776. 

His  Ex.  the  Hon.  \Ym.  Howe,  Gen.  and  commander  in 
chief  of  all  His  Majesty's  forces  within  the  Colonies  lying 
on  the  Atlantic  Ocean  from  Nova  Scotia  to  West  Florida, 
inclusive,  etc.  having  authorized  me  to  raise  a  Brigade  of 
Provincials  solely  for  the  defence  of  this  Island  to  re- 
establish order  and  govt,  within  the  same :  to  apprehend,  to 
drive  all  concealed  rebels  from  among  His  Majesty's  well 
affected  subjects,  and  other  essential  purposes :  I  do  hereby 
for  the  encouragement  of  enlisting  men  in  the  county  of 
Suffolk,  give  notice,  that  upon  any  persons  of  good  recom- 
mended characters,  raising  a  company  of  70  men,  they  shall 
have  commissions  for  one  Capt.  one  Lt.,  and  one  Ensign,  and 
shall  be  paid  and  subsisted  as  the  officers  and  soldiers  are  in 
the  British  pay;  and  it  is  hoped  the  inhabitants  of  the  county 
will  cheerfully  raise  the  men  wanted  for  the  service,  as  it 
will  prevent  the  disagreeable  business  of  detaching  them 
which  I  shall  be  under  the  necessity  of  doing  if  the  com- 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


57 


panies  cannot  be  raised  without.  Given  under  my  hand  the 
date  above. 

Oliver  Delancey,  Brig.  Genl. 

The  farmers  were  compelled  to  do  their  bit  too,  and 
while  the  British  promised  to  pay  those  that  were  loyal,  they 
forget  to  do  it  except  in  rare  cases.  Here  was  a  proclama- 
tion issued  for  their  special  benefit. 

New  York,  Sept.  27,  1776. 

Sir :  You  are  to  desire  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  to 
summon  the  farmers  of  their  Districts  to  attend  at  some 
central  place,  to  demand  of  each,  what  grain  and  straw  he 
can  spare — as  to  hay  we  must  have  the  whole,  for  which 
you'll  give  them  proper  Certificates  to  me  to  pay  them  by. 
The  whole  of  the  grain  and  forage  of  Rebels  in  arms  is  to 
be  seized  for  the  King's  use.  All  persons  removed  off  are  to 
be  deemed  Rebels,  and  dealt  with  accordingly. 

John  Morrison 
To  Mr.  E.  Punderson  Comissary  of  Forage. 


Capt.  Nathan  Hale  born  in  Coventry,  Conn.,  June  6, 
t 755  had  joined  the  Revolutionary  Army  as  a  volunteer,  and 
rose  to  the  rank  of  Captain.  Having  been  commissioned  by 
Gen.  Washington  to  enter  the  British  lines  in  New  York,  he 
crossed  the  Sound  to  Huntington,  successfully  made  his 
way  to  Brooklyn,  procured  the  desired  information  and 
returned  to  Huntington,  remaining  over  night  at  East  Neck 
at  the  home  of  Wm.  Johnson.  The  following  day  he  ven- 
tured down  to  "The  Cedars"  a  public  inn  at  the  head  of 
Huntington  Bay  intending  to  return  to  Connecticut  by  boat 
and  a  boat  that  was  approaching  he  mistook  for  the  one  he 
was  looking  for,  but  it  was  from  a  British  vessel  and  filled 
with  British  soldiers.  Some  Loyalist  at  the  inn  revealed  his 
identity  to  the  soldiers,  he  was  taken  to  New  York,  con- 


c8  HISTORY  OK  THE  ORIGINAL 

it 


dcmncd  as  a  spy  and  sentenced  to  be  hung  and  was  executed 
in  what  was  then  an  orchard  belonging  to  Col.  Henry  Rut- 
gers at  East  Broadway  and  Market  Street.  He  was  only  a 
little  over  21  years  of  age  when  executed  on  Sept.  22nd, 
1776,  but  the  true  hero  that  he  was,  is  shown  by  his  last 
words:-  "I  only  regret  that  I  have  but  one  life  to  lose  for 
my  country." 


It  should  of  course  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  entire 
Island  was  at  this  time  under  British  control  and  so  the 
following  proclamation  is  not  surprising  at  all  as  they  the 
people  were  literally  forced  to  do  many  disagreeable  things 
so  as  not*to  endanger  their  families  and  their  own  lives  as 
well. 

Huntington,  Oct.  21,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Huntington,  being  thoroughly  con- 
vinced of  the  injurious  and  inimical  tendency  of  our  former 
meetings  and  resolutions  and  willing  to  manifest  our  hearty 
disapprobation  of  all  such  illegal  measures,  do  hereby  dis- 
solve this  committee,  and  as  far  as  in  us  lies  revoke  and 
disannul  all  former  orders  and  resolutions  of  all  committees 
and  Congresses  whatsoever,  as  being  undutiful  to  our  lawful 
Sovereign,  repugnant  to  the  principles  of  the  British  Con- 
stitution &  ruinous  in  the  extreme,  to  the  happiness  and 
prosperity  of  this  country. 

Proclamations  very  similar  in  character  were  adopted 
and  signed  early  in  November  by  the  committees  of  every 
town  in  Suffolk  County  as  well  as  by  the  County  Committee 
of  Suffolk,  not  because  the  proclamation  expressed  the  true 
feelings  of  the  people  but  simply  because  they  were  entirely 
under  the  domination  of  the  British  soldiers. 

Those  that  desired  to  or  were  forced  to  enter  the  British 
Army  made  the  following  acknowledgment  and  took  the 
oath  of  Fidelity  before  a  Justice  of  the  Peace. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


59 


I  Zophar  Piatt  one  of  his  Majesty's  Justice's  of  the 

peace  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  do  certify  that  of  the 

 is  duly  Misted  in  the  Company  to  be  commanded  by 

Thomas  Conkling  in  his  Majestys  Service  under  the  Com- 
mand of  Brig.  General  Delancey.  that  I  administered  to 
him  the  oath  of  Fidelity;  and  that  he  Acknowledged  that 
the  Clause  against  Mutiny  and  desertion  had  been  read  to 
him. 

dated  the  day  of   1776. 

British  troops  occupied  barracks  right  in  Huntington 
village  and  used  the  Presbyterian  Church  for  a  store  house, 
no  public  worship  being  allowed,  and  in  addition  two  com- 
panies of  Provincial  troops  mustered  into  the  service  of  the 
King  were  also  quartered  in  Huntington,  so  that  horses, 
cattle,  sheep  and  forage  of  all  kinds  were  seized  to  supply 
these  soldiers. 


On  June  14th,  1777  the  beautiful  Stars  and  Stripes  were 
adopted  by  Congress  as  the  national  or  patriot  flag. 


Here  was  a  drastic  order  issued  that  was  bound  to  catch 
you  whether  you  did,  or  did  not  comply  with  its  demands. 

Huntington,  Sept.  3rd,  1778. 

In  Persuance  of  his  Excellency  General  Tryon  order  :- 
We  Do  Hereby  Notify  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Township  of  Huntington,  that  all  the  male  Inhabitants 
From  fiveteen  years  old  to  seventy  that  have  omited  or 
Neglected  waiting  on  his  Excellency  on  the  2nd  Instant 
Acording  to  Orders :  are  Required  to  wait  on  his  Excellency 
at  New  York  on  or  before  the  10th  Day  of  This  month  on 
faillure  of  Which  They  will  be  fined  five  Pound,  Each,  and 
after  the  fines  Are  Leavid  any  refusing  to  wait  on  his  Ex- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


cellency  will  be  OHged  To  Quit  The  Island  with  their 

families. 

John  Ireland — Isaac  Young 

The  Town  Trustees  took  vigorous  exception  to  a  joy 
ride  of  some  of  the  British  troops  and  asked  for  restitution 
and  for  future  protection  but  there  is  no  record  that  their 
communication  which  reads  as  follows  received  any  recog- 
notion  whatever. 

To  His  Excellency  Sir  Henry  Clinton  Knight  of  the 
most  Honourable  order  of  the  Bath  Commander  in  Chief  of 
all  his  majesties  Troops  in  North  America  from  Nove- 
scotia  to  west  flurrida,  etc.,  etc. 

The  Memorial  and  Humble  Petition  of  the  Trustees  of 
the  Town  of  Huntington  in  Suffolk  County, 

Humbly  Shewreth. 

That  on  Tuesday  last  the  24th  Day  of  November  1778 
A  Party  of  his  majesties  Troops  under  the  Command  of 

 on  their  Return  from  .Smithtown  came  to  Huntington 

and  there  Plundered  several  Houses  carrying  away  Butter 
and  the  Princable  Necessarys  of  Many  Familys  took  away 
many  fouls  Destroyed  wheat  and  carryed  off  Quantities  of 
corn  and  Did  other  Great  Dammages  without  Paying  or 
giving  any  Receipts  for  the  things  taken  by  the  said  Party. 

Your  Excellencys  Petitioners  are  Always  Willing  to 
supply  his  Majesties  Troops  with  any  thing  they  want  that 
we  have  to  spare  and  therefore  we  Look  upon  it  A  Great 
Hardship  to  be  treated  in  this  manner  since  by  our  Oath  we 
are  Entitled  to  his  Majesties  Protection  we  Pray  your  Ex- 
cellency therefore  to  Interpose  in  our  Behalf  that  we  may 
not  only  have  Restitution  made,  But  for  the  future  be 
Protected  against  Every  Act  of  Injustice  and  your  peti- 
tioners as  in  Duty  Bound  shall  Ever  Pray,  etc..  etc. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


61 


There  were  549  men  from  15  years  and  upward  in  the 
Township  of  Huntington  that  were  compelled  to  take  the 
Oath  of  Loyalty  and  Peaceable  Behaviour  and  their  names 
are  a  matter  of  record,  but  have  been  omitted  from  this 
narrative. 

All  towns  on  Long  Island  had  to  go  thru  this  same  pro- 
cedure though  out  of  the  thousands  that  had  to  take  the  oath 
it  is  very  doubtful  if  there  was  a  single  one  of  them  that 
did  so  of  his  own  accord,  but  one  and  all  in  their  heart  of 
hearts  sympathized  with  and  desired  to  help  the  patriot 
armies. 

It  has  been  stated  that  the  winter  of  1778-79  was  very 
long  and  intensely  cold,  Long  Island  Sound  being  completely 
irozen  for  a  number  of  weeks  so  that  one  could  cross  on  the 
ice  to  and  from  Connecticut,  and  it  is  also  stated  that  the 
ice  in  New  York  Harbor  was  so  thick  that  cannon  were 
drawn  across  it  from  the  city  to  Staten  Island. 

Our  roads  are  well  marked  nowadays  with  "Caution" 
signs. 

Here  was  one  that  every  one  no  doubt  took  the  time  to 
read  in  full.    It  was  put  up  by  Loyalists  March  10,  1779. 

"Caution  to  Travelers." 

"A  party  of  rebels  have  a  place  of  resort  at  Bread  and 
Cheese  Hollow,  on  a  by-road  from  the  houses  of  two  rebels, 
Nathaniel  Piatt  and  Thomas  Tredwell,  to  that  of  the  noted 
Samuel  Phillips  near  the  Branch.  They  extend  along  the 
road  from  Philips'  to  the  well  known  Piatt  Carlls'.  They 
are  said  to  be  commanded  by  the  rebel  Major  Brush  of 
Huntington.  The  unfortunate  Loyalists  in  this  part  of  the 
country  are  greatly  exposed  to  the  savage  cruelty  of  these 
assassins.  They  are  few  in  number  and  unable  to  defend 
themselves  from  the  frequent  incursions  of  the  parties  who 
land  from  Connecticut  and  who  are  supplied  with  provisions 
and  intelligence  by  their  confederates  above  mentioned. 


02 


HISTORY  OF  THK  OKIC.IXAL 


While  there  were  undoubtedly  many  that  gave  up  their 
Farms  rather  than  take  the  Oath  of  Loyalty,  the  following 
list  is  the  only  one  appearing  in  the  record.  The  first  name 
given  is  that  of  the  patriot  who  suffered  banishment,  the 
name  at  the  right  the  Loyalist  who  took  possession  of  the 
farm. 

Cornelius  Conkling    by    Joseph  Hoit 
Thomas  Brush,  Jr.  Jabeth  Cabbs 

William  Sammis  Jeams  Ketcham 

Gilbert  Bryant  Samuel  Hitchcock 

Josiah  Buffett  Stanton  &  Birdseye 

Joshua  Rorgers  "     Nathaniel  Jarvis 

Thomas  Weeks  "   Burr 

Jesse  Brush's  John  Ketcham  &  the  Hobarts 

Isaiah  Whitman  "     Filer  Dibble 

Major  Jesse  Brush  above  is  described  as  "A  small,  well 
built  man  with  red  hair,  sandy  complexion  and  a  bright  eye, 
strong  as  Hercules  and  bold  as  a  lion." 

He  is  reputed  to  have  sent  the  following  warning  to 
Ketcham  and  his  associates. 

Aug.  25th,  1780.  "I  have  repeatedly  ordered  you, 
especially  April  15th  to  leave  my  farm.  This  is  the  last 
invitation.  If  you  do  not  your  next  landfall  will  be  in  a 
warmer  climate  than  any  you  ever  lived  in  yet,  20  days  you 
have  to  make  your  escape." 


The  year  1780  if  you  will  recall  the  old  days  when  you 
studied  history  was  a  rather  dark  period  for  the  cause  of 
freedom  in  this  country  and  it  is  doubtful  if  many  could  be 
found  that  really  believed  the  colonies  would  achieve  their 
independence,  and  to  add  to  their  discouragement  the 
British  Parliament  voted  $100,000,000  dollars,  a  vast  sum 
for  those  days,  85000  seamen  and  35000  additional  troops 
with  which  to  prosecute  the  war  more  vigorously. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  63 


The  following  is  the  list  of  the  heads  of  families  as 
recorded  about  1783. 

Town  Spot  of  Huntington. 


Thomas  Brush 

Richard  Conkling", 

Sen. 

lohin  Heaviland 

Isaac  Youngs 

labeth  Cables 

George  Youngs 

loseph  Hoit 

Moses  Rolph 

Alexander  Sammis 

Rheuben  Rolph 

Henry  Titus 

Zebulon  Piatt 

Tonah  Conkling 

Zophar  Piatt 

XT 

Widow  Keziah  Conkling 

Jonathan  Jarvis 

Jesse  Sammis 

Daniel  Wiggins 

Rich  Conkling 

David  Rusco 

lonas  Sammis 

Joseph  Lewis 

Jeams  Ketcham 

Widow  Piatt 

Salvanus  Sammis 

Nathaniel  Williams, 

Jr. 

Tohn  Sammis 

John  Weeks 

Jeams  Rogers 

lonathan  Baldwin 

Timothy  Sammis 

Ezra  Conkling 

Hitch  Cook 

Israel  Wood 

Ebenezer  Gould 

Isaac  Lose 

Abiel  Titus 

John  Denton 

Jonas  Rorgers 

Joseph  Bennett 

 Hptidrirk^on 

Isaac  TCptrham 

Israel  Titus 

Jonathan  Brush 

Zebulon  Titus 

Jacob  Ketcham 

Benjamin  Denton 

Tredwell  Brush 

Widow  Wood 

John  Wood 

Alexander  Rorgers 

John  W'heeler 

Samuel  Conkling 

Obediah  Piatt 

John  Morgan 

David  Conkling 

Joseph  Whitman 

Ananias  Conkling 

Isaac  Kean 

Silas  Sammis 

HISTORY  OK  THE  ORIGINAL 


Hnbart  Conkling 

Abraham  Sillick 

Nathaniel  Williams 

John  Sammis 

Ezekiel  Brush 

William  Ward 

Jonas  W  illiams 

Thacher  Sears 

J(JM'ph  11  and  ford 

Jacob  Brush 

Sollomon  Kctcham 

Mat  hew  Bunce 

Alexander  Denton 

J  b  Sammis 

Jeremiah  Wood,  Sr. 

Michal  Beagle 

Jeremiah  Wood,  Jr. 

Nathaniel  Harrison 

Phillip  Conk  ling 

Moses  Jarvis 

Ezekiel  Conkling 

Josiah  Wheeler 

Thomas  Conkling 

Shubal  Smith 

Jonas  Piatt 

Stephen  Kelcy 

Timothy  Conkling 

Jonathan  Scudder 

Salvenus  Chichester 

Thomas  Scudder 

John  Brush 

Henry  Sammis 

William  Place 

Lemuel  Douglas 

Elizabeth  Potter 

Joseph  \Yeeks 

Joseph  Sammis 

John  Johnson 

Doc  Piatt 

Rheuben  Johnson 

Jesse  Fleett 


West  Hills  now  a  part  of  South  Huntington  lists  28 
families  as  follows : 

Annanias  Brush 
Ezekiel  Brush 
Eliphilet  Brush 
Eliphelet  Chichester 
Malbat  Burtis 
Richard  Smith 
Selah  Wood 
Joseph  White 
John  Foster 


Wilmott  Oakley 
Jesse  Ketcham 
Selah  Piatt 
John  Oakerly 
Samuel  Oakerley 
Nathan  \Talentine 
Nehemiah  Whitman 
Nathaniel  Whitman 
Mr.  Dible 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


Corras  Nostran 

Stephen  White 

Widow  Collier 

Samuel  Wood 

Zophar  Ketcham 

Joseph  Ireland 

Abraham  Collier 

John  Ketcham,  Sr. 

Samuel  Nostran 

Nathaniel  Brush 

The  following  are 

listed  as  living  in  Long  Swamp. 

David  Smith 

Timothy  Abbitt 

Samuel  Lewis 

Jonathan  Smith 

Robart  Jarvis 

Phillip  Smith 

Jeremiah  Jarvis 

Phillip  Jarvis 

lchabod  Smith 

Jesse  Burtett 

I  homas  Kellum 

Annanias  Carll 

hhthan  Smith 

Dicks  Hills  listed 

a  few  more  than  Cow  Harbor 

Northport. 

Daniel  Smith 

Amos  &  Silas  Smith 

Cornelius  Hart 

Isaac  &  Zebulon  Smith 

Micah  Hart 

Nathan  Piatt 

Richard  Valentine 

Timothy  Carl 

John  Hart 

Jonah  Wood 

Timothy  Smith 

Jesse  Carl 

Piatt  Carll 

Jonathan  Kelcv 

S.  Baldwin 

Nathaniel  Buffett 

Isaac  Baldwin 

Daniel  Blattsly 

Samuel  Townsand 

Scudder  Lewis 

Eliphilet  Stratton 

Uriah  Hubbs 

[esse  Smith 

Michal  Primp 

Splah  Carll 

Silas  Weeks 

Gilbert  Carll 

Elisha  Jillett 

Silas  Carll 

Amos  Soper 

Moses  Weeks 

Ostran  Jervis 

E.  Weeks 

Zophar  Rorger 

Simon  Huff 

66 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Old  Fields  now  Greenlawn  had  12  families  as  follows. 

Henry  Smith  Josiah  W'eecks 

Jacob  Willis  Ambrus  Weecks 

Zacheriah  Smith  Lemuel  W'eecks 

Jacob  Ireland  Piatt  Vail 

Ebenetns  Conkling  Eliphilet  Jarvis 

W  illiam  Lysaght  Isaac  Dennis 

About  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  W  ar  there  were 
405  names  on  the  Assessment  Roll  and  the  total  tax  was 
£31204,  10S  the  equivalent  then  of  about  $78000.00. 

The  largest  taxpayer  was  the  Solomon  Ketcham  Estate 
£412  and  the  smallest  was  Widow  Elizabeth  Denton  £  7. 


The  following  proclamation  by  the  Commander  in  Chief 
of  the  British  forces  no  doubt  raised  high  hopes  on  the  part 
of  those  having  claims  against  the  British  army. 

To  the  Inhabitants  of  Huntington 

In  Consequence  of  Proclamation 
from  the  Commander  in  Chief  bearing  Date  4th  May  1783 
You  are  desired  to  bring  in  your  Accounts  thats  unsettled 
from  the  month  of  August  1776  to  the  present  year  1783  to 
Zophar  Piatt  Esq.  who  will  give  attendance  every  Tuesday 
and  Friday  from  12  to  4  o'clock  in  the  Afternoon  till  15th 
of  June  next  For  all  Properties  supplied  the  British  Army 
or  officers  in  the  several  Public  Departments  with  their 
Proof  and  Vouchers  that  the  whole  may  be  properly  at- 
tended to  and  sent  to  New  York  to  certain  officers  Ap- 
pointed to  receive  them  and  to  register  the  same  Prepara- 
tory to  a  future  settlement. 

By  Advise  of  the  Trustees 
John  Ketcham, 
Huntington,  May  28th.  Clerk. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


67 


While  the  statements  were  properly  made  out,  and  sworn 
to  and  forwarded  to  New  York  as  specified,  still  not  a  dollar 
was  ever  paid. 

There  were  about  800  claims  turned  in  and  sworn  to, 
and  aggregating  about  £  7200  and  ranging  from  a  few 
shillings  in  amount  to  the  largest  one  of  £  100  and  which 
read  as  follows. 

November  1778. 

James  Hubbs. 

Quarter  Master  Nicolls  of  ye 
17th  Dragoons  To  a  waggon  and  Horses  he  took  and  never 
returned  valued  at  ....  £  100. 


The  following  petition  was  sent  to  Admiral  Digby  re- 
questing the  return  of  the  bell  taken  from  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church. 

Sir :  Whereas  the  Church  Bell  of  Huntington  on  Long 
Island,  was  taken  from  this  place  in  the  year  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  seventy  seven,  by  a  Party  from  his  majesty's 
ship  the  swan  (&  we  suppose  without  ordrs  from  any  proper 
authority)  and  carried  to  New  York.  Not  many  Days  since 
it  was  on  board  his  majestys  brig  Rhinoceros  lying  at  the 
Dock  near  the  ship  yard  in  the  east  River.  Wherefore  we 
the  Trustees  of  this  Town,  whose  Names  are  hereunto  sub- 
scribed, beg  that  your  Excellency  would  be  pleased  to  order 

said  Bell  delivered  to  who  is  authorized  to  receive 

it,  which  is  discriminated  by  the  Name  Huntington  which 
was  cast  upon  it,  and  you  will  very  much  oblige  your  ex- 
cellencys  most  obedient  humble  servants. 

Huntington,  August  22,  1783 
His  Excellency  Admiral  Digby. 

Zebulon  and  the  Church  Bell  became  almost  inseparable 
as  witness  his  affidavit. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Personally  appeared  before  me  Zebulon  1  Matt  and  made 
Oath  that  some  time  in  the  last  of  November  or  the  first  of 
December  1777,  he  was  taken  Prisioner  by  the  Master  of 
the  ship  called  the  swan  and  was  carried  on  board  of  the 
said  ship  where  he  saw  the  Bell  belonging  to  the  Inhabitant] 
of  Huntington  and  the  Deponent  further  saith  that  he  and 
the  Bell  was  shifted  on  board  of  a  Brigg  and  from  there  he 
&  the  Bell  was  put  on  board  of  a  Tender  where  the  Bell 
was  when  he  was  sent  to  the  Mane  Guard  in  New  York. 

Zebulon  Piatt. 

Sworn  this  3  of  Sept.  1783 
Before  me 

Zophar  Piatt,  Justice. 


After  seven  long  years  of  military  rule,  great  disorder 
prevailed  and  lawless  bands  of  marauders  occupying  un- 
frequented and  lonesome  places  would  sally  forth  at  night 
and  plunder  the  inhabitants,  until  finally  they  were  compelled 
to  establish  civil  government  and  at  a  meeting  called  Aug. 
28,  1783  the  following  men  were  chosen  to  call  the  people 
together  in  case  of  robberies,  etc. 

Moses  Wickes,  Comm. 
Joshua  Ketcham,  South. 

Epenetus  Smith  ) 
Jesse  Bryant  J 

Zebulon  Smith 
Lemuel  Carll 

David  Smith,  Long  Swamp 
Jonathan  Scudder,  East  Neck 
Wilmott  Oakley       1  West 
Eliphilet  Chichester  J  Hills 
Israel  Carll,  Cold  Spring 


Crabmeadow 


Dicks  Hills 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  69 


Thomas  Brush,  West  Neck 

Capt.  Wickes  1 

y  Town  Spot. 

Capt.  Conkling 

Piatt  Vail,  Old  Fields. 

The  Continental  Army  was  disbanded  Nov.  3,  1783  by 
order  of  Congress  and  the  British  army  evacuated  New 
York  City  on  November  25th.  It  is  needless  to  say  there 
was  great  rejoicing  everywhere  that  the  colonies  were  now 
free  and  independent. 

A  large  number  of  Tories  residing  in  the  Township  of 
Huntington  found  at  the  close  of  the  war  that  they  were 
very  unwelcome  and  actually  disliked  and  hated  and  so  fled 
to  Nova  Scotia  along  with  the  Tories  from  other  states. 

It  was  a  nice,  easy  job  and  light  pay  to  be  sexton  of  a 
church  in  the  old  days  according  to  the  following : 

Mr.  Isaac  Losee  agrees  to  take  the  Bill  for  £  4  a  year 
to  Sweep  the  Meeting  House  once  a  month  and  cary  the  dirt 
out  and  Brush  the  Seats  to  ring  the  bell  on  Sundays  and 
Lectures  &  Funerals. 


This  ordinance  would  furnish  a  good  excuse  for  a  little 
friendly  call  on  your  neighbors. 

Town  Meeting,  Apr.  4,  1786. 

Further  be  it  Enacted  that 
no  person  shall  let  his  Turkeys  Ramble  in  his  neighbours 
enclosure  without  one  wing  being  cut.  if  not  the  person 
has  a  right  to  kill  said  Turkeys  and  carry  them  to  the  owner. 

There  were  some  ordinances  or  laws  promulgated  long 
after  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  War  that  seem  very 
peculiar  to  us  in  this  day  and  age. 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 


For  example,  at  the  town  meeting  April  3rd,  1787 
among  other  measures  enacted  were  the  following: 

Voted,  That  the  Gates  at  Crabmeadow  and  Fresh  Pond 
shall  be  kept  in  good  repair  as  usual  with  the  penalty  of  five 
shillings  to  be  paid  by  the  Person  who  leaves  them  open. 

Voted,  That  no  Horses  of  any  kind,  Oxen  or  Cows  shall 
be  allowed  to  run  at  large  in  the  street  on  the  Sabbath  within 
the  Hours  of  Ten  OClock  in  the  Morning  and  four  Clock 
in  the  afternoon  within  one  Quarter  of  a  mile  of  any  House 
of  Publick  Worship  within  the  Town  and  that  for  every 
Horse,  Ox  or  Cow  that  shall  be  so  found  running  at  large 
as  aforesaid  the  owner  or  owners  thereof  shall  forfeit  and 
pay  to  any  person  or  persons  who  ask,  demand  or  sue  for 
the  same  the  sum  of  one  shilling. 


Here  is  a  study  in  surveying. 

Huntington,  N.  Y.  October  3,  1787. 
John  Ketcham,  Esq., 

Sir:-  I  take  this  Opertunity  to  Give  you  the  accounts  of 
the  27  Day  of  Last  Aperel.  We  went  to  the  head  of  the 
river  to  run  the  Line  of  the  ould  Patting  &  when  we  came 
there  I  started  at  a  Certain  Chestnut  tree  in  the  Corner  of 
Joshua  Smiths  Lot  Near  the  head  of  the  river  as  we  so 
passed  the  sd  tree  is  26  rods  to  the  west  of  a  Certain  Chest- 
nut stump  called  Nicoals  Corner  &  24  rods  to  the  East-ward 
of  the  Pair  tree  called  Wenecomack  Corner.  I  run  the  Line 
Due  South  to  the  South  Side  of  the  Island  I  Crost  the  South 
road  about  five  or  six  rods  to  the  west  of  the  house  that 
formerly  belonged  to  Saxton  but  know  belonging  to  Gilbert 
Carll.    This  from  your  friend, 

Timothy  Carll,  Surveyor. 


Here  is  a  copy  of  an  original  autograph  letter  of  Aaron 
Burr  the  great  lawyer  and  statesman  relative  to  trespassing 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


7i 


on  the  South  Meadows,  which  later  became  involved  in  a 
iaw  suit  lasting  several  years. 

Sir  :-  I  do  not  see  that  it  is  possible  to  institute  an  Action 
of  Trespass,  by  reason  of  the  Difficulties  suggested  when 
you  were  here.  — A  Lessee  cannot  maintain  any  Action  for 
any  Trespass  before  his  Interest  accrued.  — If  the  Com- 
mons in  Dispute  are  Town  property  or  the  property  of  all 
the  Inhabitants  as  such  they  are  subject  to  Town  regulations 
&  in  this  way  may  be  preserved  from  Mauraurders. 

I  am  Sir  your  most  oby 
Aaron  Burr 

Sept.  30,  1790. 


Town  Meeting,  April  1,  1794. 

Vpted,  that  if  any  Goose  or  Gooselin  older  than  two 
months  shall  be  found  in  the  Streets  within  the  Town  Spot 
of  Huntington  without  a  sufficient  yoke  the  owner  shall  be 
Liable  to  pay  six  pence  a  head  fine  to  be  recovered  with  cost 
of  suit  by  the  one  prosecuting  the  same. 


It  is  interesting  to  note  that  there  were  slaves  in  Hunting- 
ton almost  from  the  first  settlement  and  as  late  as  1755  there 
were  46  male  and  35  female  slaves.  In  March  1799  the 
State  Legislature  enacted  a  law  whereby  slave  owners  could 
voluntarily  set  their  slaves  free,  provided  they  were  capable 
of  self-support  and  not  over  50  years  of  age  and  nearly  all 
of  the  53  slave  owners  in  Huntington  freed  their  slaves. 


Town  Meeting,  April  7,  1807. 

"Resolved  that  any  person  heaping  Sea  weed  on  the 
Shores  at  the  harbour  in  Huntington  shall  not  give  them  any 
title  to  it  any  more  than  if  it  Lay  in  the  Same  manner  the 
tide  Left  it." 


-  > 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


The  early  fathers  did  not  have  nervous  prostration  every 
year  as  we  do  when  a  coal  strike  is  announced,  neither  did 
they  have  any  cause  to  worry  on  account  of  the  price  of  cord 
wood  as  shown  by  the  following : 

Trustees  Proceedings,  Dec.  8,  1807. 

Resolved  that  any  of  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town  of 
Huntington  may  Cut  Pine  Timber  on  the  Commonage  be- 
longing thereto  by  consent  from  either  of  the  Trustees  pay- 
ing therefore  at  the  rate  of  Twenty  five  Cents  pr.  Waggon 
Load  &  if  any  person  shall  Cut  any  such  timber  without  the 
Consent  as  aforesaid  they  shall  be  deemed  trespassors  and 
persecuted  accordingly. 

By  Order  of  the  Trustees 

Moses  Rolph,  Clerk. 


Only  once  in  the  Town  Meeting  records  is  there  any 
reference  to  the  war  of  181 2  and  that  well  along  toward  the 
close  of  the  war,  as  shown  by  the  following : 

Special  Town  Meeting,  Xov.  5,  18 14. 

"It  was  voted  that  the  Sum  of  two  hundred  and  seven 
dollars  &  86/100  be  paid  by  the  Town  being  the  amount  of 
two  bills  paid  for  6  Casks  of  powder,  400  lb.  of  Musket 
Balls  and  a  Quantity  of  buck  shot  by  the  Trustees  of  Said 
Town  for  the  Militia  to  Defend  the  Said  Town  with  in  Case 
of  Invasion. 

It  wras  also  voted  to  distribute  the  powder  and  balls  as 
follows :  1  Cask  of  powder  and  the  sixth  of  the  balls  & 
shot  to  be  Deposited  with  Capt.  Samuel  Muncy  at  South. 

Also  Voted  that  1  Cask  of  the  powder  and  the  sixth 
partt  of  the  Balls  and  Shot  be  Deposited  with  Matthew 
Gardiner  Crabmeadow  or  fresh  pond.  Also  Voted  that  1 
Cask  of  the  powder  and  the  Sixth  of  the  Ball  Shot  be 
Deposited  with  Epenetus  Smith,  Cow  Harbour.  Also  Voted 
that  \Vi  Casks  of  the  powder  and  the  Equal  proportion  of 


TOW  NSHIP  OF  HiUNTlNGTON 


73 


the  Ball  and  Shot  be  Deposited  with  Capt.  Abel  Conkling. 
Also  Voted  that  1^2  Casks  of  the  powder  and  the  Equal 
proportion  of  the  Ball  and  Shot  be  Deposited  with  Capt. 
John  Rogers. 

Recorded  by  me  Moses  Rolph,  Town  Clerk  of  the  Said 
Town  of  Huntington. 

It  will  no  doubt  be  a  matter  of  much  surprise  to  prac- 
tically every  reader,  to  learn  that  such  a  measure  as  the 
following  was  ever  passed  by  the  Town. 

Town  Meeting,  April  1,  1817. 
"It  was  Also  Voted  that  application  be  made  to  the 
Legislature  of  this  State  at  their  next  meeting  to  annex 
the  Town  of  Huntington  to  the  County  of  Queens." 

Recorded  by  Moses  Rolph, 

Town  Clerk. 

The  adoption  of  the  above  motion  evidently  stirred  up 
a  great  deal  of  excitement  and  controversy  that  lasted  for 
nearly  two  years  and  finally  culminated  in  calling  a  Special 
Town  Meeting  to  consider  the  question. 

Special  Town  Meeting,  January  8,  1819. 

At  a  Special  Town  Meeting  held  at  the  house  of  Gilbert 
Carll  in  the  Town  of  Huntington  on  the  8th  day  of  January, 
1819  by  order  of  the  Trustees  of  Said  Town  for  the  purpose 
of  taking  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  petitioning  the 
Legislature  of  this  State  to  annex  the  Said  Town  of  Hunt- 
ington to  the  County  of  Queens. 

Voted  and  Resolved  by  the  above  Said  Meeting  that  no 
petition  be  sent  to  the  Legislature  for  the  aforesaid  purpose. 

Recorded  by  Moses  Rolph, 

Town  Clerk. 


Among  the  measures  passed  at  the  Town  Meeting,  Tues- 
day, April  1830  were  the  following: 


74 


HISTORY  OF  TIIK  ORIGINAL 


Resolved  that  the  assessors  and  commissioners  of  High- 
ways be  entitled  to  one  dollar  per  day  for  services  as  fence 
Viewers.  Five  hundred  dollars  voted  to  meet  expenses  of 
maintaining  the  Poor  of  the  Town.  Two  hundred  and 
eighty  dollars  voted  for  maintainance  of  Common  Schools. 

"At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  and  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Huntington  convened  by  notice  to  take  into  consid- 
eration the  alarming  circumstances  of  Rabid  Dogs  running 
at  large  unquestionable  one  or  more  having  lately  traversed 
nearly  all  the  Township  overspreading  their  baneful  Poison 
to  the  great  danger  of  the  Inhabitants  in  general  and  injury 
to  property  Have  come  to  the  conviction  that  any  dogs 
running  at  large  at  this  time  are  a  dangerous  nuisance  and 
ought  to  be  attended  too  and  that  it  is  expedient  that  every 
person  owning  a  dog  either  kill  or  secure  him  safely  until 
the  last  Tuesday  in  March  next,  and  that  any  person  be  at 
liberty  to  kill  any  dog  found  running  at  large  out  of  the 
charge  of  the  owner  or  some  other  person." 

Resolved  unanimously  by  the  Trustees  that  the  above 
be  made  public.    Signed  on  behalf  of  the  Trustees. 

Isaac  Conklin,  President. 
Recorded  by  Moses  Rolph, 
Huntington,  Feb.  i,  1832.  Town  Clerk. 


Extract  from  Town  Meeting  held  First  Tuesday  in  April 

1836. 

"Resolved  that  three  cents  per  head  be  paid  as  a  premium 
for  crows  killed  during  the  months  of  April,  May  and  June 
of  the  current  year  1836. 


Our  old  friend  the  Long  Island  Railroad  Company  ap- 
pears in  the  Town  Records. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Town,  May  1, 

1837- 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  75 


Resolved  that  the  President  demand  of  the  Long  Island 
Railroad  Company  the  sum  of  $50.00  for  damage  in  cutting 
and  destroying  timber  on  the  common  lands. 

Moses  Rolph  was  elected  Town  Clerk  at  the  meeting 
April  2,  1805  to  serve  for  one  year,  and  re-elected  every 
year  up  to  and  including  the  year  1838  when  this  record 
appears. 

Town  of  Huntington,  Sept.  29,  1838. 

Whereas  a  vacancy  occurred  on  the  18th  of  Sept.  1838 
in  the  office  of  Town  Clerk  of  said  town  by  the  death  of 
Moses  Rolph  the  late  incumbent  of  said  office — Now  there- 
fore we  the  undersigned  being  three  of  the  Justices  of  the 
peace  of  said  town  do  hereby  in  pursuance  of  the  Statute 
in  such  cases  made  and  provided,  appoint  Jarvis  R.  Rolph 
to  the  office  of  Town  Clerk  of  said  town  to  hold  the  said 
office  with  the  same  power  and  subject  to  the  same  duties 
and  penalties  as  if  he  had  been  duly  Chosen  to  said  office 
by  the  electors  of  said  town  until  another  Town  Clerk  shall 
be  appointed  in  his  place. 

In  Witness  whereof  we  have  affixed  our  hands  and  seals 
to  this  Warrant  at  Huntington  aforesaid  this  29th  day  of 
September,  A.D.  1838. 

Wm.  Wickes  ) 

Joel  Jarvis  )  Justices  of  the  Peace. 
Timothy  Carll  ) 


The  question  of  License  or  No  License  seems  to  have 
been  one  of  great  moment  as  far  back  as  1846  as  witness 
the  following: 

We,  the  Board  of  Justices  of  the  Peace  in  and  for  the 
Town  of  Huntington,  in  the  County  of  Suffolk,  do  certify 
that  the  following  is  a  correct  statement  of  the  result  of  a 
special  Town  Meeting  held  in  said  Town  on  the  19th  day 


1 1 1  STORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


of  May  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty -six. 

That  the  whole  number  of  votes  given  for  License  was 
five  hundred  and  five. 

That  the  whole  number  of  votes  given  for  No  License 
was  four  hundred  eighty  three. 

Dated  Huntington,  19th  May,  1846. 

Richard  B.  Post  ) 
Jesse  Jarvis         )  Inspectors 
Geo.  Oaks  )  of  Election. 

Timothy  Carll  ) 
Josiah  Smith  served  as  Town  Clerk  from  April  1840  to 
April  1859. 


The  first  reference  in  the  records  regarding  the  Civil 
War  is  in  Aug.  1862.  President  Lincoln  had  on  July  I, 
1862  issued  a  call  for  300,000  additional  volunteers,  and  on 
Aug.  12,  1862  there  appears  this  record: 

To  J.  Amherst  Woodhull,  Clerk  of  the  Town  of  Hunt- 
ington : 

The  undersigned  respectfully  request  that  a  Special 
Town  Meeting  be  immediately  called,  to  take  into  consider- 
ation the  appropriation  of  moneys  to  be  used  in  securing 
our  Town  quota  of  recruits  for  the  war,  and  providing  for 
the  families  of  such  recruits — Dated  Huntington,  Suffolk 
County,  N.Y.  Aug.  12th,  1862. 

Geo.  Carll,  William  Jarvis,  Aaron  Jarvis,  J.  H.  Culver, 
M.D.,  John  H.  Duryea,  Andrew  Ketcham,  J.  Seaman,  David 
Carll,  William  Muncey,  Charles  Wood,  John  R.  Reid,  Selah 
C.  Smith  and  Samuel  Muncey. 

A  call  was  at  once  issued  for  a  special  Town  Meeting  to 
be  held  Sat.  Aug.  16,  1862  at  the  house  of  Elias  Smith  at 
Long  Swamp  at  one  o'clock,  P.M. 

At  that  meeting  a  war  fund  of  $30,000.00  was  author- 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HIUNTINGTON 


77 


ized  to  be  disbursed  to  those  volunteering  and  not  less  than 
a  bounty  of  $100.00  be  given  to  each  volunteer,  $6.00  per 
month  to  be  paid  to  the  wife  of  each  volunteer  and  $1.50 
a  month  to  be  paid  each  child  of  a  volunteer  between  the 
ages  of  two  and  ten  years. 

A  complete  list  could  be  given  of  all  those  in  the  Civil 
War  from  the  Township  of  Huntington,  including  Amity- 
ville,  Babylon,  Farmingdale,  Centerport,  Huntington,  Com- 
mack,  Cold  Spring,  Northport,  Dix  Hills  and  West  Hills, 
but  it  would  make  the  record  too  bulky  and  each  of  these 
villages  undoubtedly  has  its  own  roll  of  their  distinguished 
Civil  War  heroes. 


The  following  extract  from  the  Trustees  Meeting  of 
Oct.  12,  1867  is  of  great  interest  to  us  even  today. 

Resolved  that  the  Trustees  tender  to  the  Long  Island 
Railroad  Company  a  right  of  way  over  the  Town  property. 

The  following  was  unanimously  adopted : 

Whereas,  the  Long  Island  Railroad  Company  has  caused 
to  be  explored  and  surveyed,  divers  lines  with  a  view  of 
extending  the  branch  road  from  Hicksville  into  Huntington 
village,  two  of  which  pass  over  a  portion  of  the  Town 
property,  called  the  Poor  House  farm,  indicating  a  terminus 
or  depot  to  be  located  either  on  Main  Street  near  the  said 
property,  or  directly  on  it,  at  or  near  the  northwest  side 
or  corner  thereof :  and  duly  considering  the  value  of  such 
accommodations  to  the  inhabitants,  as  well  as  the  great  bene- 
fit which  would  accrue  to  the  freeholders  and  commonalty 
of  the  Town  by  largely  enhancing  the  value  of  said  property, 
therefore,  Resolved,  That  we  hereby  tender  to  the  said  Rail- 
road Company  the  right  of  way  over  the  said  Town  prop- 
erty, on  the  line  last  surveyed,  passing  through  the  woods 
near  John  Alsop's  barn;  and  also  sufficient  ground,  not  to 


78 


HISTORY  OF  TI1K  ORIGINAL 


exceed  two  (2)  acres  or  thereabouts  for  a  depot,  in  case  it 
is  determined  to  locate  on  said  land. 

And  if  the  offer  is  accepted  as  to  right  of  way,  or  for 
both  purposes  named  we  do  hereby  authorize  the  President 
of  the  Trustees  of  the  Town  of  Huntington  for  a  nominal 
consideration,  to  make  and  execute  a  deed  for  the  necessary 
land,  for  the  right  of  way,  or  for  both  said  purposes,  the 
quantity  not  to  exceed  two  acres  or  thereabouts  as  above 
named,  and  deliver  the  same  to  the  said  company  or  its 
agent  or  a  committee  acting  therefor. 

And  whereas,  the  said  line  or  survey  indicates  a  gore  or 
triangle  of  land  to  be  left  adjoining  John  Alsop's  barn 
therefore. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  said  Trustees  is 
hereby  authorized,  at  his  discretion  to  sell  the  said  strip  of 
land  to  the  said  John  Alsop  or  others  and  execute  a  deed  or 
deeds  for  the  same. 

The  following  interesting  foot  note  is  given  in  connec- 
tion with  the  foregoing  resolutions. 

"It  had  been  decided  by  the  Long  Island  Railroad  Com- 
pany to  extend  their  road  from  Syosset,  then  the  terminus 
of  the  branch  road,  to  the  village  of  Hunitngton  at  a  point 
on  the  Poor  House  Farm,  a  little  south  of  the  Union  School 
grounds,  in  case  the  grounds  for  a  depot  were  donated  to 
the  company  and  certain  contributions  made  for  the  right 
of  way." 

The  Trustees  of  the  Town  promptly  offered  the  company 
the  required  land  for  a  depot.  Subsequently  the  President 
of  the  road  and  certain  land  owners  came  into  collision  con- 
cerning the  right  of  way,  and  Mr.  Charlick,  with  character- 
istic obstinacy,  declining  to  yield  anything,  the  arrangement 
for  extending  the  road  to  the  village  fell  through,  and 
Northport  having  offered  liberal  aid  in  procuring  the  right 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


79 


of  way,  the  route  was  directed  further  south  on  the  present 
line  to  Northport. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Town  of 
Huntington  on  June  28,  1869. 

Resolved  that  Trustee  Elias  Baylis  and  Fayette  Gould, 
Town  Clerk,  procure  a  safe  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  the 
Town  papers  in. 

When  the  above  resolution  was  adopted  the  only  article 
of  furniture  the  Town  owned  for  containing  the  Town  rec- 
ords, was  an  old  wooden  chest,  incapable  of  holding  more 
than  a  small  part  of  the  books  and  papers;  the  remainder 
being  piled  promiscuously  on  shelves  and  tables,  and  the 
loose  papers  being  in  a  very  disordered  condition.  A  small 
safe  was  procured  at  this  time,  and  used  until  1883  when 
the  Board  purchased  a  Herring  safe,  six  feet  high  and  4^2 
feet  wide. 


Office  of  Trustees  of  the  freeholders  and  commonalty  of 
the  Town  of  Huntington  abolished. 

An  Act  to  abolish  the  office  of  Trustees  of  the  freehold- 
ers and  commonalty  of  the  Town  of  Huntington,  County 
of  Suffolk  and  to  create  their  successors. 

Passed,  May  3,  1872,  three  fifths  being  present. 
The  people  of  the  State  of  New  York,  represented  in 
Senate  and  Assembly,  do  enact  as  follows : 
Section  I.  On  and  after  the  first  Tuesday  in  April  in  the 
year  one  thousand,  eight  hundred  and  seventy  two,  the 
office  of  Trustees  of  the  freeholders  and  commonalty  of 
the  Town  of  Huntington,  in  the  Town  of  Huntington, 
in  the  County  of  Suffolk,  shall  be  abolished  and  cease 
to  exist. 

Section  II.    The  Supervisor,  Town  Clerk  and  Assessors  of 
the  Town  of  Huntington  and  their  successors,  are  hereby 


So 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 


created  ex-officio,  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Town 
of  Huntington,  and  legal  successors  of  the  Trustees  of 
the  freeholders  and  commonalty  of  the  Town  of  Hunt- 
ington, and  vested  with  all  the  rights,  privileges,  i>owers, 
duties  and  jurisdiction  heretofore  enjoyed  and  exercised 
by  such  Trustees,  over  the  real  and  personal  property 
of  the  Town  of  Huntington.  The  Supervisor  of  the 
Town  shall  be  ex-officio,  President  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees  of  the  Town  of  Huntington  hereby  created. 

Section  III.  The  President  of  the  Trustees  of  the  free- 
holders and  commonalty  of  the  Town  of  Huntington, 
shall  upon  demand,  deliver  to  the  President  of  the  Board 
of  Trustees  of  the  Town  of  Huntington  hereby  created, 
and  after  the  date  aforesaid,  all  records,  books,  papers, 
documents,  moneys  and  property  belonging  to  said  Town 
and  then  in  his  possession  or  under  his  control. 

Section  IV.  All  Acts  inconsistent  with  this  Act  are  hereby 
repealed. 

State  of  New  York, 

Office  of  the  Secretary  of  State  ) 

ss. : 

I  have  compared  the  preceding  with  the  original  law 
on  file  in  this  office  and  do  hereby  certify  that  the  same  is  a 
correct  transcript  therefrom,  and  of  the  whole  of  said 
original  law. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  of  office  at  the  City 
of  Albany,  the  tenth  day  of  May  in  the  year  one  thousand, 
eight  hundred  and  seventy  two. 

ANSON  S.  WOOD, 

Secretary  of  State. 


Many  no  doubt  will  be  interested  to  learn  that  the  first 
newspaper  published  in  the  Town  of  Huntington  was  the 
American  Eagle  in  1821.    In  May  1825  the  name  was 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


81 


charged  to  the  Long  Island  Journal  of  Philosophy  and 
Cabinet  of  Variety.  In  1827  it  was  again  changed  to  The 
Portico  and  discontinued  in  1829. 

The  record  does  not  so  state,  but  no  doubt  the  burden  of 
carrying  the  second  name  assigned  to  it,  accounted  for  its 
early  demise. 

The  Long  Islander  was  started  in  1838  by  Walt  Whit- 
man and  now  after  the  lapse  of  87  years  is  one  of  the  lead- 
ing papers  of  Suffolk  County. 


In  view  of  the  appropriation  voted  at  the  last  election 
for  the  erection  of  an  iron  fence  around  the  Old  Cemetery 
at  Nassau  Avenue  and  Main  Street  it  will  no  doubt  be 
of  interest  to  every  one  to  know  what  transpired  relative 
to  this  Old  Cemetery  during  the  Revolutionary  War. 

Possibly  there  was  no  edict  issued  during  the  entire  war 
that  caused  a  greater  feeling  of  anger  and  resentment  to- 
ward the  British  than  the  following : 

Order  of  Colonel  Thompson  for  the  erection  of  Fort 
Golgotha. 

Huntington,  November  26th,  1782.  . 
By  Virtue  of  an  Order  from  Lieut.  Coll.  Thomson  you 
must  Imediately  warn  all  the  Carpenters  in  Capt.  Conkling 
District  Especially  those  whose  names  are  underwritten  to 
appear  by  8  O  Clock  every  morning  with  their  Tools  to 
work  at  said  Fort  in  Town  on  Failure  of  which,  I'm  under 
an  Obligation  to  return  their  names  Imediately  they  must 
also  appear  at  the  time  every  Morning  and  not  go  away  till 
Dismissed  or  they  will  not  be  Credited  for  a  Days  work. 
Philip  Conkline,  Capt.      Benjamin  Brush 
Hubbard  Conkline  Isaac  Selah 

Samuel  Haveland  John  Wheler 

John  Morgan  Isaac  Wood 

Richard  Rogers  Dan  Higby 


82  HISTORY  OK  THE  ORIGINAL 

To  Segt  Conklin  Ketcham.  Huntington  to  labour  on  fort 
Golgotha. 


This  Old  Cemetery  had  at  that  time  been  the  principal 
burying  ground  of  Huntington  for  probably  100  years. 
The  soldiers  were  working  on  Fort  Golgotha  from  Sept.  27, 
1782  to  Feb.  13,  1783  and  among  other  material  used  by 
them  was  not  less  than  100  tombstones.  An  account  was 
rendered  for  these  tombstones  at  $4.00  each,  also  a  bill  for 
boards,  rails  and  trees  in  all  a  total  of  525  £  10  S.  but  like 
other  bills  rendered  to  the  British  Government  it  apparently 
never  received  any  attention. 

Naturally  this  cemetery  was  a  very  sacred  spot  and  to 
desecrate  it  in  such  an  uncalled  for  and  shameful  manner 
could  not  result  otherwise  than  the  inhabitants  of  Hunting- 
ton detesting  the  sight  of  the  British  soldiers  in  their  midst. 

The  following  description  was  furnished  by  a  resident 
of  Stamford  and  bears  date,  Dec.  8,  1782. 

"On  the  first  of  Dec.  was  at  Huntington  passing  for 
an  inhabitant,  and  passed  within  four  rods  of  the  front  of 
the  Fort  which  faces  the  north.  It  is  about  five  rods  in 
front  with  a  gate  in  the  middle,  it  extends  a  considerable 
distance  north  and  south;  the  works  were  altogether  of 
earth,  about  six  foot  high,  no  pickets  or  any  other  obstruc- 
tion to  the  works,  except  a  sort  of  ditch,  which  was  very 
inconsiderable,  some  brush  like  small  trees  fixed  on  the  top 
of  the  works,  in  a  perpendicular  form;  was  told  it  encom- 
passed near  2  acres  of  ground.  It  is  built  on  a  rising 
ground,  and  takes  in  the  burying-ground ;  The  Meeting 
house  they  have  pulled  down.  The  troops  consist  of  Thomp- 
son's regiment,  the  remains  of  the  Queen's  Rangers  and  the 
Legion,  being  550  effective;  they  are  quartered  as  compact 
as  possible  in  the  inhabitants  houses  and  barns,  and  some 
hutted  along  the  sides  of  the  Fort,  which  makes  one  side  of 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HjUNTINGTON  83 


the  fort.  The  Inhabitants  of  Huntington  do  suffer  exceed- 
ingly from  the  treatment  they  receive  from  the  troops,  who 
say  the  inhabitants  of  that  County  are  all  Rebels,  and  there- 
fore they  care  not  how  they  suffer." 

Time  will  eventually  obliterate  all  bitterness  and  ani- 
mosity that  may  have  existed  a  few  generations  ago  and  so 
we  have  long  ago  forgotten  and  forgiven  the  rash  and 
entirely  uncalled  for  desecration  of  the  abode  of  our  lament- 
ed and  honored  dead,  and  are  now  only  concerned  in  restor- 
ing as  far  as  possible  original  outlines  and  boundaries,  that 
future  generations  may  preserve  and  reverence  this  hallowed 
ground. 


The  reader  has  no  doubt  already  formed  his  own  ideas 
and  made  a  mental  picture  of  the  physical  characteristics, 
attributes,  mental  qualifications  and  virtues  of  his  own  for- 
bears and  has  a  pretty  fair  idea  of  what  entered  into  their 
daily  lives  in  the  way  of  responsibilities  and  work,  recre- 
ations and  social  functions. 

It  should  of  course  be  borne  in  mind  that  in  the  earlier 
days  most  of  these  sturdy  pioneers  were  farmers  and  in  con- 
sequence had  to  be  at  times  as  necessity  might  require  their 
own  mason,  carpenter,  shoemaker,  wheelwright,  tanner, 
butcher,  blacksmith  and  in  fact  a  jack  of  all  trades  so  to 
speak,  while  his  wife  had  to  be  cook,  seamstress,  care-taker, 
home-maker,  mother  and  spinner,  making  all  the  clothes 
from  flax  and  wool,  and  frequently  carrying  her  spinning 
wheel  with  her  when  making  an  afternoon  call  on  her 
neighbor. 

She  undoubtedly  had  floors  sprinkled  with  sand,  high 
backed,  clumsy,  uncomfortable  wooden  chairs,  either  wood- 
en or  at  best  pewter  dishes  and  labored  from  early  morning 
until  evening  late. 


*4 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


As  late  as  1793  there  was  no  post-office  on  Long  Island, 
those  living  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  island  getting  their 
mail  from  New  London,  those  in  the  western  part  from 
New  York  and  even  as  late  as  1835  tne  ma^  stage  left  New 
York  for  Kasthampton  only  once  a  week. 

President  Dwight  of  Yale  College  about  1800  visited 
Long  Island  and  summed  up  his  visit  and  views  about  as 
follows:  "That  because  of  its  insular  position,  the  people 
of  Long  Island  must  always  necessarily  be  very  contracted 
and  limited  in  their  views,  pursuits  and  affections,  that  they 
were  practically  destitute  of  advantages  that  would  awaken 
and  instill  and  diffuse  energy  and  information,  and  that  if 
such  a  thing  did  happen,  the  people  would  emigrate,  and  that 
the  Island  would  continue  for  a  very  indefinite  period  to  be 
a  place  where  advantages  enjoyed  elsewhere,  would  here  be 
very  imperfectly  realized.'' 

For  many,  many  years  Long  Island  has  been  the  dwell- 
ing place  of  wealth,  refinement,  intelligence,  and  culture 
second  to  none  throughout  the  country,  so  we  are  free  to 
admit  that  President  Dwight  was  a  very  poor  prophet  in- 
deed. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  Revolutionary  War  it  is  said 
there  were  in  Suffolk  County  2834  men,  between  16  and  60 
and  that  only  236  of  them  were  counted  as  being  loyal  to 
the  King  of  England. 

The  first  railroad  on  Long  Island  was  from  South  Ferry, 
Brooklyn  to  Jamaica,  and  was  open  for  travel,  April  18th. 

1836. 

In  1837  the  road  was  completed  to  Hicksville  and  July  25, 
1844  the  first  train  of  cars  arrived  in  Greenport.  The  road 
from  Hicksville  to  Syosset  was  completed  in  1854  and  the 
extension  to  Northport  in  1868  and  finally  to  Port  Jefferson 
in  1872.  The  road  from  Jamaica  to  Babylon  was  opened 
up  in  the  fall  of  1867  and  extended  to  Patchogue  in  1868. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  85 


The  Matinnecocks  who  were  the  original  owners  of  the 
Township  of  Huntington  have  gone  the  way  of  all  the 
earth,  and  as  far  as  is  known  there  is  not  a  pure  blooded 
Indian  in  the  township,  and  likewise  all  the  early  settlers 
of  Huntington  have  been  gathered  to  their  fathers,  so  that 
Indians  and  settlers  are  now  a  memory,  a  matter  of  history, 
but  a  fond  and  cherished  memory,  and  a  history  most  vivid 
and  entertaining  in  its  every  detail,  and  most  commendable 
in  its  constant  climb  toward  worthier  motives  and  ideals, 
and  we  are  the  heirs  of  that  priceless  heritage  of  the  past, 
which  is  as  an  open  book  to  us,  and  through  the  reading  and 
study  of  which  we  can  thereby  escape  those  things  that 
would  work  to  our  detriment,  and  at  the  same  time  we  can 
profit  by  all  that  was  uplifting  and  ennobling  in  their  lives. 

While  that  day  had  its  great  drawbacks  and  limitations 
as  compared  to  the  present  day  and  generation,  yet  unques- 
tionably it  were  better  to  have  lived  then,  than  not  to  have 
lived  at  all. 

Let  us  bridge  the  years  from  the  time  of  the  Civil  War 
up  to  the  present  moment,  even  though  those  have  been 
history  making  years  of  wonderful  progress  along  every 
conceivable  line  and  direct  our  attention  and  thoughts  to 
this  great  year  of  1925  in  its  relation  to  Huntington. 

The  Huntington  of  1925  is  a  beautiful,  busy  mart  of 
people,  delightfully  situated  on  the  North  Shore  of  Long 
Island,  a  large  part  of  it  nestling  in  a  valley,  so  that  it 
constitutes  a  most  beautiful  and  charming  picture,  either 
by  night  or  by  day  as  you  approach  it  either  from  the  East 
or  West. 

Its  two  principal  business  streets,  Main  Street  and  New 
York  Avenue,  are  regularly  laid  out,  very  wide  and  lined 
with  imposing  buildings,  and  the  center  of  Main  Street  is 
used  for  and  makes  an  admirable  and  convenient  parking 
place  for  automobiles. 


86 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Among  the  buildings  worthy  of  particular  mention  on 
Main  Street  are  the  Catholic  Church,  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  the  Methodist  Church,  the  Central  Presby- 
terian Church  and  at  the  top  of  the  hill  the  historic  First 
Presbyterian  Church,  while  directly  across  the  street  is  the 
imposing  and  commodious  Huntington  High  School,  the 
Public  Library  and  the  Town  Hall,  both  buildings  unique 
in  design,  attractive  in  appearance  and  beautiful  in  every 
way,  stand  on  opposite  sides  of  the  street.  Then  there  are 
the  Bank  of  Huntington,  the  First  National  Bank,  the 
Huntington  Fire  Department  and  the  Suffolk  Hotel  as  well 
as  many  large  and  attractive  store  buildings,  and  beyond  the 
stores  both  to  the  east  and  west  palatial  residences  line  both 
sides  of  Main  Street. 

Near  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  and  with  the  main 
entrance  on  Main  Street  is  the  beautiful  Heckscher  Park. 
One  is  unquestionably  safe  in  saying  that  there  is  no  Public 
Park  in  the  entire  country  encompassed  within  a  like  area 
that  can  compare  with  this  park  in  its  marvelous  beauty, 
artistic  design  and  superb  landscape  effects,  and  there  is 
nothing  that  the  great  philanthropic  Mr.  Heckscher  could 
possibly  have  done  that  would  add  so  much  to  the  prestige 
and  attractiveness  of  Huntington  as  has  this  wonderful  and 
delightful  little  park. 

The  closing  of  the  year  1925  finds  Huntingdon  a  village 
of  rare  beauty,  with  concrete  walks  and  roadways,  lovely 
shade  trees,  substantial  buildings,  imposing  and  comfortable 
residences,  with  a  charming  and  hospitable  people  that  are 
united  in  whatever  will  uplift  and  up-build  Huntington  and 
make  it  one  of  the  two  largest  if  not  the  largest  village  in 
Suffolk  County. 

It  is  related  as  being  a  true  incident  that  some  years  ago 
a  Methodist  Minister  was  assigned  to  Huntington,  who  had 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  87 


been  living  in  the  northern  part  of  Connecticut  and  who  had 
an  invalid  wife. 

Being  anxious  to  know  whether  being  so  near  the  water 
would  be  beneficial  or  harmful  to  her  health,  he  wrote  to 
Washington  and  made  inquiry,  and  received  a  reply  that  the 
northern  shore  of  Long  Island  from  Hortons  Point  on  the 
East  to  Sands  Point  on  the  West  was  considered  the  health- 
iest  section  in  the  entire  United  States,  and  in  proof  of  or 
to  substantiate  that  statement  a  full  list  is  given  of  all  those 
living  within  the  entire  Township  of  Huntingdon  who  are 
70  years  of  age  and  upward. 

The  list  is  arranged  alphabetically  according  to  villages 
and  will  be  found  as  the  closing  section  of  this  history. 

0 


88 


1 1  [STORY  OF  THE  ORIGINA1 


HUNTINGTON  IN  1930. 

With  a  people  determined  to  do  all  they  can  for  its  wel- 
fare, and  who  are  actuated  and  controlled  by  a  real  admir- 
ation and  love  for  the  town  in  which  they  dw-ell,  and  who 
are  willing  to  strive  for  and  if  necessary  make  some  sacri- 
fices in  its  behalf,  no  one  can  prophesy  with  any  degree  of 
certainty  whatever  even  for  the  short  period  of  five  years. 

One  thing  we  can  be  very  certain  of,  and  that  is  that 
the  Huntington  of  1930  will  be  exactly  what  the  people 
living  there  today  make  it. 

So  the  people  must  enlarge  their  vision  as  to  what 
will  constitute  an  ideal  Huntington,  remove  the  boundary 
stakes  to  take  in  the  wooded  hills  and  dales,  elevate  the 
moral,  social,  business  and  religious  ideals  of  the  people  to 
a  higher  standard  than  ever  before,  and  so  pave  the  way 
for  the  peaceful  but  rapid  passing  from  that  of  being  a  vil- 
lage to  becoming  a  city  of  the  first  class,  and  so  all  building, 
all  designing,  all  planning  should  have  as  a  definite  aim  the 
future  and  far  greater  Huntington  to  be. 

All  Long  Island  is  bound  to  grow  in  population  by 
leaps  and  bounds,  if  we  are  alive  to  our  opportunities,  for 
it  is  the  natural  dwelling  place  for  the  great  hosts  of  the 
greatest  metropolis  the  world  has  ever  known,  and  I  can  see 
no  reason  why  the  entire  section  from  Cold  Spring  on  the 
west,  to  Smithtown  on  the  east  and  to  Deer  Park  on  the 
south,  should  not  be  as  thickly  populated  within  five  years 
as  is  Jamaica  at  the  present  time,  if  we  arise  and  demand 
that  to  which  we  are  entitled  and  which  we  must  insist  upon 
having  and  having  it  done  at  once. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  89 


The  one  thing  that  has  retarded  the  natural  and  rapid 
growth  of  Long  Island  is  the  Long  Island  Railroad  and  its 
clinging  to  its  old  policy  of  fifty  years  ago  of  charging  all 
it  possibly  can  of  those  who  have  been  compelled  through 
the  years  to  use  its  road  as  a  means  of  conveyance. 

But  that  day  has  now  past  or  at  least  is  passing,  but 
the  damage  has  already  been  done,  and  thousands,  yes  hun- 
dreds of  thousands  of  people  who  really  would  have  pre- 
ferred to  live  on  Long  Island  have  settled  in  Westchester 
County  or  Jersey  instead,  for  the  Long  Island  Railroad  has 
consistently  studied  and  planned  and  dreamed  of  ways  and 
means  of  extracting  more  money  from  the  commuters  and 
the  traveling  public  in  general. 

That  road  never  has  been  and  much  less  since  the  in- 
vention of  the  motor  truck  a  freight  line  railroad,  but  its 
cne  hope  of  bringing  millions  of  tons  of  building  materials 
here  on  the  Island  lies  in  whether  or  not  it  electrifies  its 
branches,  and  particularly  the  North  Shore  branch  at  once, 
and  reducing  its  fare  to  and  from  the  city  so  that  it  won't 
have  to  compete  with  auto  busses. 

There  is  practically  no  one  but  would  go  into  the  city 
a  couple  of  times  a  week  if  we  could  travel  each  way  for 
say  50c  or  $1.00  for  the  round  trip,  and  the  railroad  com- 
pany could  make  very  substantial  profits  at  that  rate  if  the 
cars  were  electric,  and  inasmuch  as  the  company  would 
probably  have  to  borrow  the  money  to  equip  electrically  it 
might  just  as  well  do  it  at  once  rather  than  wait  until  bus 
lines  have  been  thoroughly  established  and  the  people  con- 
tinue to  patronize  them  because  of  the  very  dilatory  tactics 
of  the  railroad  company. 

The  North  Shore  with  its  varying  scenery  of  hill  and 
dale  naturally  makes  the  most  charming  and  picturesque 
surroundings  in  which  to  build  a  beautiful  home,  and  the 
only  reason  that  thousands  upon  thousands  of  homes  are  not 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 


being  erected  in  our  midst  is  the  utter  lack  of  adequate 
transportation  facilities,  the  cars  being  crowded  and  some- 
times cold  in  winter  and  dust  and  cinders  almost  unbearable 
in  summer. 

If  the  electrifying  of  the  North  Shore  Branch  is  the  one 
thing  apparently  that  stands  between  us  and  prosperity  and 
our  becoming  a  great  community  centre,  let  us  make  our 
opinions  and  our  beliefs  and  our  demands  known  in  no 
uncertain  way,  and  this  is  one  of  those  occasions  where 
every  man,  woman  and  child  can  make  his  or  her  influence 
felt,  in  a  most  convincing  way,  and  at  a  very  opportune 
time. 

With  that  object  in  view  petitions  have  been  prepared 
requesting  the  Long  Island  Railroad  to  begin  making  ar- 
rangements at  once  to  electrify  their  road  from  Jamaica  to 
Northport,  and  these  petitions  when  signed  will  be  presented 
by  our  good  Supervisor  Abraham  L.  Field  to  the  railroad 
officials. 

These  petitions  can  be  found  at 

in  Huntington  "  East  Northport 

"  Cold  Spring  "  Northport 

Greenlawn  "  Centreport 

Huntington  Station    "  Ft.  Salonga 
"  Melville  "  Dix  Hills^ 

"  Commack 

Certainly  there  can  be  no  objection  made  to  one  member 
of  the  household  signing  the  petition  for  all  the  members  of 
the  home,  and  the  promptness  with  which  these  petitions 
are  signed  will  evidence  how  much  real  desire  we  have  to 
procure  this  great  boon  for  a  long  suffering  public. 

We  are  supposed  to  have  22,000  people  in  the  present 
Township  of  Huntington  and  allowing  for  children  under 
2  years  of  age  there  should  be  not  less  than  18,000  or  19,000 
signatures  on  these  petitions  and  if  the  railroad  company 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


9i 


can  openly  ignore  such  a  plea  as  that  then  they  will  have  no 
one  but  themselves  to  blame  for  what  methods  of  trans- 
portation may  be  put  in  operation. 

Assuming  that  the  road  is  electrified  during  1927  we  can 
naturally  expect  and  should  prepare  for  a  vast  increase  in 
our  population  and  some  measures  should  be  taken  to  restrict 
our  marvelous  growth  to  citizens  of  this  great  republic  or 
those  that  express  their  intention  of  becoming  citizens.  In 
other  words  we  not  only  want  a  good  substantial  growth  in 
population  but  we  want  good  substantial  people  to  make  up 
that  population. 

In  1930  then  we  can  say  that  we  reside  in  the  most 
beautiful  township  in  this  great  state,  that  we  have  all  the 
conveniences  of  the  great  metropolis  and  free  access  to  her 
multitudinous  attractions,  but  without  any  of  the  discom- 
forts and  crowded  conditions  of  apartment  life. 

Does  the  City  of  Huntington  of  1930  appeal  to  you?  If 
so  rise  up  and  do  your  part  in  making  the  visionary  city  a 
reality. 

It  is  a  matter  of  common  knowledge  that  the  Long 
Island  Railroad  Company  have  included  in  their  plans  for 
1926  the  electrification  of  the  North  Shore  road  from 
Jamaica  to  Mineola. 

By  putting  on  an  additional  force  and  borrowing  the 
necessary  money  (which  they  have  stated  they  will  have  to 
do  anyway)  they  could  extend  the  line  to  Northport  much 
more  cheaply  than  to  make  terminal  facilities  at  Mineola 
and  then  electrify  the  line  to  Northport  a  year  or  two  from 
now.  Then  too,  in  the  last  fifty-eight  years  the  people  of 
the  Township  of  Huntington  have  paid  millions  of  dollars 
into  the  coffers  of  the  Long  Island  and  it  certainly  does 
seem  as  if  that  road  might  manifest  its  appreciation  by 
complying  with  our  request,  particularly  as  it  would  mean 
greatly  increased  revenue  for  the  road  as  thousands  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


people  would  locate  here  and  naturally  have  to  patronize  the 
road. 

COME,  RESIDENTS  OF  THE  TOWNSHIP  OF 
HUNTINGTON,  HERE  IS  A  GLORIOUS  OPPOR- 
TUNITY FOR  YOU  TO  SAY  SOMETHING  IN  A 
VERY  DEFINITE  WAY,  AND  TO  PLAY  A  VERY 
IMPORTANT  PART  IN  BRINGING  TO  PASS  THE 
GREATEST  CIVIC  IMPROVEMENT  THAT  COULD 
POSSIBLY  BE  BROUGHT  BEFORE  YOU  AT  THE 
PRESENT  TIME. 

LET  US  DEMONSTRATE  TO  THE  LONG 
ISLAND  RAILROAD  THAT  WE  ARE  DEAD  IN 
EARNEST,  AND  BY  EVERY  ONE  SIGNING  THE 
PETITIONS  THAT  WE  ARE  A  UNITED  PEOPLE 
IN  DEMANDING  THAT  TO  WHICH  WE  ARE 
JUSTLY  ENTITLED. 

AS  YOU  MEET  YOUR  FRIENDS  THE  MORN- 
ING AFTER  YOU  HAVE  READ  THIS  STATEMENT, 
JUST  ASK  THEM  IF  THEY  HAVE  SIGNED  UP 
AND  ALSO  INCLUDED  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THEIR 
HOUSEHOLD. 

THEN  AFTER  PERFORMING  THIS  GREAT 
CIVIC  DUTY,  IF  YOU  WANT  TO  MAKE  THE 
WORDS,  HUNTINGTON,  CENTERPORT,  NORTH- 
PORT  A  TRIO  OF  NAMES  KNOWN  THE  WORLD 
AROUND,  DO  YOUR  PART  IN  CARRYING  INTO 
EFFECT  THE  GREATEST  CIVIC  IMPROVEMENT 
OF  ALL,  AS  OUTLINED  IN  THE  POEM  FOLLOW- 
ING THE  HISTORY  OF  NORTHPORT. 

Author's  Note  :  Owing  to  an  unavoidable  delay  in  the 
publication  of  this  History  and  Proposed  Civic  Improve- 
ments, the  petitions  for  the  electrification  of  the  North 
Shore  Road  were  placed  before  the  people  for  signature 
simultaneously  with  the  publication  itself. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


93 


BABYLON 


The  history  of  Huntington  proper  begins  with  the  year 
I653,  when  the  first  deeds  were  made  with  the  Indians, 
while  the  first  deeds  concerning  the  present  Town  of  Baby- 
Ion  were  in  1657. 

The  Marsapeague  Indians  sometimes  referred  to  as  the 
Massapequas,  occupied  the  territory  included  in  the  Town 
of  Babylon  and  the  first  transfers  of  property  were  made 
to  men  residing  in  Huntington. 

Quite  a  conflict  took  place  about  the  year  1653  between 
the  Marsapeagues  and  one  Capt.  John  Underhill,  who  com- 
manded quite  a  detachment  of  troops,  with  the  result  that 
the  Indians  were  badly  defeated  and  their  so  called  fort, 
since  called  Fort  Neck,  was  destroyed. 

The  early  purchases  of  land  on  the  south  shore  seems 
to  have  been  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  salt  grass  or 
hay  that  grew  in  the  marshes  and  was  gathered  in  the  fali 
of  the  year  and  carried  to  Huntington  on  the  north  shore. 

There  were  about  24  transfers  of  property  made  by  the 
Indians  to  the  white  men,  but  as  many  of  them  were  necks 
of  land  only  they  are  not  here  recorded. 

The  first  Indian  deed  of  property  in  the  present  town 
of  Babylon  was  as  follows : 

This  writinge  testifieth  an  Agreement  and  Bargame 
made  Betweene  jonas  Wood  off  Huntington,  on  Long 
Island,  the  one  party  and  meantaquit  Sachem  the  other 
party :  Witnesseth  that  the  above  sd.  Jonas  Wood  hath  for 
himselfe  and  the  rest  of  his  neighboures  of  Huntington, 
aforesaid,  Bought  five  Necks  of  meadow  Ling  next  adjoyn- 


"4 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 


ing  to  massapeags  Sachems  land :  and  the  above  sd.  Jonas 
Wood  Doth  hereby  ingage  himself  for  and  on  the  behalf e 
off  his  Neighboures,  to  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid,  unto  ye 
above  sd.  sachem  of  meantaquit,  twelve  coates,  twenty 
howes,  twenty  hatchets,  twenty  knives,  ten  pounds  of  pow- 
der, ten  poundes  of  lead  and  on  great  Cettell  and  on  hatt, 
present  in  hand,  And  doth  further  promise  to  give  to  the 
above  Sachem,  every  yeare,  a  Coat  for  six  years,  next  en- 
suing the  Date  hereof : 

And  the  above  sd.  Sachem  Waindance,  for  and  in  con- 
sideration of  the  these  abov  sd.  goods,  Doth  give  full  Rite 
and  proprietie  to  the  afore  sd.  Jonas  and  his  Neighbours 
and  theere  heyrs  for  ever  to  all  the  sd.  five  Neckes  of 
meadow,  and  will  free  them  from  all  Claims  and  titles  that 
any  other  may  Lay  thereto  in  witness  whereof  Booth  parties 
Interchangably  put  to  their  hands  this  fist  day  of  June 

1657- 

In  the  presence  of 

X 

Lion  Gardener         Waindance  Marke 
Thomas  Tallmage     Sachem  of  Meantaquitt. 

Benjamin  Price 

This  may  witness  to  all  that : 

keeossechok  the  sachem  of  secontok  have  Resigned  up 
all  that  Right  or  Interest  hee  might  any  wayes  lay  unto 
the  neckes  of  medowe  expressed  above  in  this  wrighting 
and  so  confirm  the  bargain  and  full  of  the  mantakit  sachem 
as  witness  my  mark 

Keeossechok  X 

His  mark. 

In  presents  of 

John  Stiklings 
Samuel  Fferman 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  95 


As  witness  the  mark  of 

Ambrus  Sutton  X 
The  mark  of 

Richard  Brush  X 
Recorded  in  the  office  in  New  York  the  2nd  day  of 
November  1667. 

Matthias  Nichols,  Sec. 
The  Indians  also  gave  a  deed  July  23,  1657  to  Half  Neck 
which  was  directly  west  of  the  Five  Necks  above  described. 

In  August,  1658  the  Marsapeague  Indians  gave  a  deed 
to  Three  Necks  being  those  west  of  Half  Neck  and  carry- 
ing the  boundary  over  to  the  Oyster  Bay  Line. 


Takapousha  then  chief  of  the  Marsapeagues  states  in  a 
paper  that  is  on  file  that  it  "grieved  his  heart"  to  make  this 
deed,  but  that  he  was  simply  compelled  to  do  so  by  Wyan- 
dance  the  Great  Sachem  of  the  Montauks  and  Lyon  Gar- 
diner, who  seemed  to  sway  Wyandance  about  as  he  pleased. 
The  deed  is  as  follows : 

Agust  the  17th  day  1658. 

Bee  it  knowne  unto  all  men  By  this  writing  That  I, 
Wyandance,  sachem  of  pammanake,  or  by  the  English  called 
Long  Island  doe  By  these  acknowledg  to  have  sould  to 
Henry  Whitnee  of  huntington,  for  the  use  of  the  whole 
Town  of  Huntington,  I  say,  I  have  sould  to  him  for  them 
three  whole  necks  of  medow  Land  Lying  on  the  southward 
side  of  theire  towne  and  westarly  from  the  six  necks  which 
wee  Bought  Befor,  these  three  necks  of  messepeake  Land  I 
say  I  for  my  selfe,  and  my  heirs  for  ever,  have  sould.  as 
above  mentioned,  and  have  sent  my  agent  Cheaconoe  to 
deliver,  upon  condicion  as  followeth :  first  they  shall  pay, 
or  cause  to  bee  paid  to  mee,  or  my  asisgns,  these  ffollowing 
goods  punctually,  that  is,  first  twelfe  coats  ech  coate  Being 
too  yards  of  tucking  cloath,  twenty  pounds  of  powder, 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 


twenty  dutch  hatchets,  twenty  dutch  howes,  twenty  duch 
knives,  ten  shirts,  two  hundred  of  muxes,  five  paire  of 
handsom  stockings  one  good  dutch  hatt,  and  a  great  hue 
Loking  glos,  and  for  Choconoe,  for  his  waves  and  going  to 
marke  out  the  Lande,  shall  have  for  himselfe  one  coat, 
fower  pounds  of  poudar,  six  pound  of  led,  one  dutch 
hatchet,  as  alsoe  seventeen  shilling  in  wampum,  thay  must 
send  by  Chockanoe,  which  being  punctually  paid,  then  shall 
I  declar  this  deed,  which  shall  bee  for  the  free  and  quiet 
possession  of  them  and  theire  heaires  forever  and  in  the 
mene  time  it  shall  Remaine  in  the  hands  of  Lyon  gareden : 
In  witnes  where  of  wee  have  here  to  set  our  hands  the 
day  above  written. 

Richard  Brush 

Ambros  Suten 

Huntington,  Receved  this  23  of  May  1659,  from  the 
Inhabitants  of  Huntington  full  satisfaction  and  payment 
for  the  medow  I  sould  Last  to  them  which  my  man  Chocke- 
noe  marked  out  ffor  them  which  joynes  to  that  neecke  that 
Belongs  to  Mr.  Stikland  and  Jonas  Wood  and  soe  goes  west- 
ward soe  fTar  as  Chakenene  hath  marked  being  purchased  in 
august  Last  which  was  1658  witnes 

Chekenow    x  his  mark  Wyandance  mark  oxo 

Sasaketawah    x  mark  The  mantak  Sachem 

The  mark  of  Ambros  x  Sutten    Tacpowsha  his  x  mark 
"     "  Richard  x  Brush 


Division  of  Babylon  Lands 
1659 

After  wee  ye  Inhabitants  of  huntington  by  means  of 
maineta — sachem  had  bought  a  sertaine  number  of  necks  of 
medowe  at  ye  south  side  of  ye  Island :  of  seaquetauke  and 
massapage  Indians  and  have  paid  for  them.  The  towne  then 
disposed  of  these  necks  to  particular  men  of  the  towne  by  ye 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


hundreds  as  there  Rule  of  disposing  of  Land  was :  and  that 
haulf  neck  which  was  massapage  Indian  land  called  by  them 
tatamunehese  weare  for  thomas  weeks,  william  Rogers, 
Richard  Ogden.  Jonas  wood,  bartholoma  smith  and  Henry 
whisson  amounting  to  sixteen  hundreds  this  haulf  neck  did 
belong  to  ye  above  named  men  to  deride  amongst  them 
selves  f(  r  their  share  which  they  did:  sum  amendment  was 
afterwards  given  upon  santipauge  by  the  town  to  Jonas 
wood,  thomas  weeks  and  Henry  whisson  of  the  same  haulf 
neck  above  said. 

Sumpwams  Indian  Deed. 

Know  all  persons  by  these  presents  that  wee  whose 
names  are  subscribed,  namely  pompott  &  mamascokan,  seca- 
katake  Indians  being  deputed  and  apointed  by  the  Rest  of 
our  asosiate  to  Receive  the  payment  of  huntington  men  for 
a  sertaine  neck  bought  of  ye  said  Indians,  commonly  called 
and  known  by  ye  name  of  sumpwams,  wee  say  wee  have 
Received  of  Epenetus  Piatt  in  behalf  of  huntington,  for 
our  selves  and  all  the  Indians  that  have  any  right,  their  full 
satisfaction  according  to  our  bill  of  sail  by  us  made  as 
witnes  our  hands  and  seals  ye  2nd  December  1670. 
rhe  word  right  interlined  was  before  signing  and  sealling. 
Pwamas,  sachems  sun.  acknowledg  ye  sam  as  witness  my 
band  and  seall. 

Signed  and  sealled  in  presence  of  us 

John  Brush  the  mark  of  x  Thomas  (L.S.) 

Epenetus  Piatt  "      "    "  x  Mamasop  (L.S.) 

the  mark  of  x  Will  Indian    "       "    "   x  Pompott  (L.S.) 

Daniell  x  Marken 
his  mark 

This  deed  made  by  the  Sucatogue  Indians  embraced 
only  the  meadows  below  the  old  Indian  path  and  part  of 
Babylon  is  now  located  within  the  territory  deeded.  This 


98 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


was  the  furtherest  east  of  all  the  necks  purchased  from  the 
Indians  in  behalf  of  Huntington. 

Nov.  28,  1693  the  Indians  deeded  Copiag  Neck,  South 
to  John  Wood,  the  property  being  bounded  as  follows: 

On  the  east  by  land  of  Samuel  Wood,  westward  by 
Tatamuckatakis  Creek,  southward  by  meadows  already  pur- 
chased, northward  by  the  Commons  or  40  rods  above  the 
present  Indian  path. 

The  Marsapeagues  deeding  this  neck  were  Ahungem, 
Sonwames  and  Will  Choppy. 

May  5,  1697  the  Marsepague  Indians  Mame,  Suructon 
and  Will  Chepey  deeded  to  John  Ketcham  and  Jonas  Piatt 
a  tract  called  by  the  Indians,  Scuraway  and  by  the  English, 
Josiah's  Neck  from  the  South  Meadows  and  running  north 
by  the  swamp  called  by  the  English  Wed  Neck  Swamp  to 
the  line  of  the  said  swamp  upon  the  brushey  plains,  then  on 
a  straight  line  upon  the  brushey  plains  until  it  comes  against 
the  head  of  a  short  swamp  joining  the  south  meadows. 


Dec.  2,  1697  the  Sucatogue  Indians,  Wameaus,  Narwa- 
kam,  Chipons,  Charles  Pamequa,  Mumswarasen,  Pompot, 
Mamescoken  and  Dumpshua  deeded  to  Joseph  Wood, 
Thomas  Fleet  and  Nathaniel  Foster  the  following  described 
property. 

A  certain  neck  of  land  adjoining  a  river  that  parteth 
this  said  neck  and  a  neck  called  Sampaumes.  This  river 
called  by  the  Indians,  Amusk  Comuncak.  The  neck  called 
by  the  English  the  easternmost  neck  or  commonly  known 
as  Captain  Fleets  Neck,  and  called  by  the  Indians  arase 
coseagge,  bounded  on  the  west  by  a  swamp  that  parteth 
the  other  east  neck  and  this  neck.  All  this  said  neck  of  up- 
land from  the  edge  of  the  meadow  to  the  head  of  the  swamp 
that  parteth  these  two  necks  and  to  run  one  straight  line 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  99 


east  across  the  said  neck  to  the  great  river  that  parteth  the 
neck  and  a  neck  called  Sampaumes  as  the  same  is  now 
marked  and  laid  out. 


In  a  deed  made  by  the  Indians,  May  4,  1698  to  the 
Trustees  of  the  Town  of  Huntington  of  a  tract  of  land  and 
beach,  the  Indians  reserved  the  right  of  fishing,  fouling  and 
hunting,  and  of  gathering  plume  and  hucel  bearyes. 

East  Neck  was  deeded  by  Wameas  and  Charles  Pam, 
May  13,  1698  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Town  of  Huntington. 

Dec.  16,  1699,  Whawarem,  Pampat  and  Will  Cheepy, 
Sucatogue  Indians  deeded  the  following  property  to  the 

Trustees. 

Bounded  on  the  north  by  a  line  of  Markt  trees  between 
according  to  the  bounds  set  forth  in  the  Patent  of  said 
Town  of  Huntington,  south  by  the  necks  purchased  and  west 
by  the  south  path  leading  to  Copiague. 
the  said  Indians  and  the  Inhabitants  of  Huntington,  east 


The  Neck  commonly  called  Sampaumes  was  deeded  tc 
the  Trustees,  April  14,  1702  the  Indians  reserving  the  right 
to  hunt  fish  and  foule  and  to  gather  Crambaryes. 


Misunderstandings  having  arisen  about  the  division  of 
the  lands  of  Sump  warns  Neck  and  the  village  of  Babylon, 
it  is  recorded  May  15,  1740  that  Epenetus  Piatt  and  Phillip 
Ketcham  of  Huntington  and  Samuel  Willis  of  Oyster  Bay 
were  appointed  Yeomen  Arbitrators,  Indiferantly  Chosen, 
Elected  and  Impartially  Appointed  by  the  propriators  of  a 
neck  of  upland  Commonly  known  by  the  name  of  Sumpa- 
wames,  to  allot  and  Divide  the  said  upland  and  the  records 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


disclose  that  they  performed  their  work  with  great  accuracy, 
each  person's  property  being  minutely  described. 

Town  Meeting,  May  7,  t  765. 
The  same  Day  it  was  Voated  that  no  furreners  shall 
clam  in  our  South  Bay  to  make  sale  off  on  penalty  of  five 
pounds,  any  of  our  people  giving  strangers  Lyberty  shall 
forfeit  forty  shilling,  neither  fish,  gun  nor  hunt  on  forfi- 
ture  of  sd.  five  pounds  By  any  stranger. 

As  near  as  can  be  ascertained  there  were  no  dwellings 
of  any  kind  in  Babylon  until  after  1700  or  more  than  43 
years  after  the  first  transfer  of  land  to  Jonas  Wood  of 
Huntington,  in  fact  even  at  the  time  of  the  Revolutionary 
War  there  were  only  a  few  settlers  within  the  present  Baby- 
lon limits  and  no  records  are  available  of  any  one  serving  in 
the  Revolutionary  War  from  Babylon  proper,  though  un- 
questionably there  were  some. 

Col.  Piatt  Conklin  who  owned  a  large  farm  at  Half 
Way  Hollow  and  another  large  farm  at  West  Neck  now 
Amityville,  and  at  the  time  of  the  Revolutionary  War  67 
years  of  age,  was  compelled  with  Thomas  Fleet  also  a  large 
farm  owner  near  Babylon  to  take  the  Oath  of  Loyalty  to 
the  King  and  Thomas  Fleet  at  least  was  forced  to  provide 
large  quantities  of  grain  and  hay  to  the  Queens  Rangers  at 
Huntington,  and  for  which  he  never  received  a  cent. 

Many  pillaging  parties  of  soldiers  from  the  British 
Headquarters  at  Huntington  raided  the  south  side  farms  to 
procure  supplies. 


Town  Meeting,  Huntington,  May  6,  1783. 
Vote  was  carried  on  the  above  Day  that  no  Person 
within  the  Township  of  Huntington,  nor  any  other  person 
should  go  upon  the  Marshes  on  the  Island  on  the  South  side 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  101 


of  this  Island  to  cut  any  sedge  grass  before  the  first  day 
of  September  under  the  penalty  of  paying  the  sum  of  Five 
Pounds  for  the  offence,  one  half  to  go  to  the  Complainer, 
the  Other  Half  to  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  use  of 
the  Poor. 


It  is  stated  that  one  Arthur  Dingee,  owner  of  a  large 
tract  of  land  now  forming  part  of  the  Village  of  Babylon 
was  a  noted  Loyalist  but  the  temperature  became  so  warm 
for  him,  that  he  migrated  with  many  other  Tories  to  Nova 
Scotia  in  August  1783  and  was  followed  by  his  wife  and 
daughter  in  1787.  The  whole  family  returned  in  1792  when 
the  animosity  and  hatred  engendered  by  the  war  had  prac- 
ticallv  died  out. 

J 

Town  Meeting  June  3,  1793. 

Also  Voted  that  no  Beach  Clams  on  the  south  side  of 
the  Islands  In  our  South  Bay  be  catched  by  any  Person 
Whatsoever  to  sell  to  Boatmen  under  the  penalty  of  Ten 
Shillings  per  Thousand  Clams  for  the  Inhabitants  of  Hunt- 
ington to  pay  and  Twenty  shillings  for  Foreigners. 

And  it  is  Ordained  that  Thos.  Wickes,  Esq.,  shall  be 
Inspector  of  the  Clams  in  the  South  Bay  of  the  Town  of 
Huntington  and  recover  the  Toleration  and  Give  Permits 
for  the  Boatmen  to  carry  said  Clams  away  or  authorize  any 
other  person. 


That  the  above  order  was  exceedingly  distasteful  to  the 
boatmen  is  shown  by  their  posting  the  following  notice 
shortly  after  the  order  was  issued. 

Be  it  known  To  all  it  May  Concern  that  the  Boatmen 
will  not  pay  hommig  to  Neither  King  nor  Toleration  Mas- 
ters under  no  less  penalty  than  they  shall  fight  for  their 
Authoraty. 


io2  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


In  the  war  of  1812,  Babylon  had  its  distinguished  sons 
and  among  them  were  Jesse  Abbott,  Richard  Dingee,  Silas 
Cooper,  Daniel  Sammis,  Israel  Sammis,  Jesse  Sammis,  John 
Tooker,  Silas  Tooker  and  Jesse  Whitman. 


The  ship  Savannah  wrecked  off  Babylon,  Sunday  night, 
Oct.  27,  1822  was  a  vessel  with  a  remarkable  record  and 
the  advertisement  in  the  London  Times  of  May  11,  18 19 
certainly  savors  of  the  days  of  long  ago.  The  announce- 
ment read  as  follows  :  "Great  Experiment : — A  new  steam 
vessel  of  300  tons,  "The  Savannah"  has  been  built  at  New 
York  for  the  express  purpose  of  carrying  passengers  across 
the  Atlantic.  She  is  to  come  to  Liverpool  direct."  This 
was  the  first  steam  propelled  ship  to  cross  the  ocean.  She 
could  carry  about  75  tons  of  coal  and  25  cords  of  wood. 
Her  builder  was  Francis  Fickett  of  New  York  and  it  was 
built  for  Daniel  Dodd.  The  engines  were  made  at  Morris- 
town,  N.J.,  by  Stephen  Vail.  The  boat  was  launched 
August  22,  1818.  The  Captain  was  Moses  Rogers,  the 
navigator  Stephen  Rogers,  both  of  whom  were  residents  of 
New  London. 

The  ship  sailed  from  Savannah,  Ga.  May  25,  18 19  and 
arrived  at  Liverpool,  June  20th,  the  trip  being  made  in  26 
days,  and  steam  being  used  18  out  of  the  26  days. 

Later  her  steam  machinery  was  removed  and  she  became 
an  ordinary  sailing  vessel,  and  it  was  as  such  she  went  to 
pieces  Oct.  27,  1822  and  all  on  board  were  lost,  11  bodies 
being  washed  ashore. 


The  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Babylon  was  erected 
about  1730  and  was  entirely  destroyed  by  the  British  in 
1778,  the  material  being  taken  to  Hempstead  to  make  bar- 
racks for  the  troops  stationed  there. 

At  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  War  a  new  site  was 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  103 


obtained  and  a  two  story  church  erected,  made  of  large  oak 
timbers  and  all  supposed  to  have  been  hewed  by  hand. 

The  interior  of  the  church  was  not  ornamented  in  any 
way  or  painted,  the  pulpit  was  very  high,  and  the  minister 
when  seated  was  not  visible  even  from  the  gallery  which 
was  on  the  east,  south  and  west  sides  of  the  church. 

The  people  kept  warm  in  cold  weather  by  using  foot 
stoves  and  a  large  wood  stove  for  heating  purposes  was  first 
used  about  1831. 

In  1839  this  church  was  moved  to  make  room  for  a 
new  church  and  the  old  one  was  converted  into  a  residence. 

A  total  of  84  persons  subscribed  for  the  erection  of  this 
Church  £32-4  S.  and  those  contributing  £  1  or  more  were 
Jesse  Weeks,  Isaac  Thompson,  Silas  Muncy,  Aaron  Higbie, 
Jesse  Conklin,  Timothy  Scudder,  Nathaniel  Conklin,  Phebe 
Conklin,  Arthur  Dingee,  John  Mowbray  and  Garrett  Mont- 
fort. 

The  Church  was  admitted  to  the  Presbytery  of  Long 
Island  on  April  11,  1797. 

The  Methodists  of  Babylon  held  their  meetings  in  pri- 
vate dwellings  or  school-rooms  until  1840,  when  a  small 
Church  30  x  40  was  built,  which  soon  proved  to  be  inade- 
quate and  in  i860  the  large  and  ornamental  church  was 
completed  and  dedicated. 

Trinity  Episcopal  Church  was  organized  in  1862  but 
wras  later  merged  into  Christ  Church  of  West  Islip. 


The  Babylon  Baptist  Church  was  organized  in  1872,  and 
the  following  year  they  erected  a  beautiful  house  of  wor- 
ship. This  church  edifice  was  made  possible  very  largely 
through  the  liberality  of  Mrs.  Sarah  Bertine  and  Mr.  E.  B. 
Litchfield. 


\  1 1  STORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


St.  Joseph's  Roman  Catholic  Church  was  erected  in  1878, 
Rev.  [OS.  Coughlin  being  the  first  Parish  Priest  from  1878 
to  1880. 


Sampawams  Lodge  No.  104  I.O.O.F.,  was  instituted 
July  27,  [849  with  the  following  charter  list,  John  Snod- 
grass,  Jesse  Conklin.  Chas.  Pascoe,  Stephen  Leek,  Ebenezer 
Kellum,  Stephen  J.  Wilson,  E.  V.  Brown,  Henry  Southard, 
Henry  Bedell  and  Valentine  Sprague. 


Charter  members  of  Babylon  Lodge  No.  793,  F.  &  A.M. 

X  opposite  of  name,  living. 

This  Lodge  was  instituted  June  22,  1887. 

Theodore  C.  Fletcher  Henry  Buck 

Henry  Livingston  x  George  B.  Burr 

Richard  Higbie,  Jr.  Stephen  de  Forest 

x  Charles  Searle  T.  Edward  Seaman 

Henry  Seaman  Henry  H.  Finlay 

Phillip  T.  Sammis  Carl  Schmidt 

x  John  W.  Jarvis  Leopold  H.  Fishel 

Charles  S.  Hendricks-  n  Norman  Smith 

Dicio  Falconer  Smith  A.  Muncy 

George  Dingithal  Charles  E.  White 

Alonzo  Matthias  James  MacLachlan 


The  Post  Office  was  established  about  1803  and  *or  a 
number  of  years  was  known  as  "Huntington  South.  P.O." 
The  first  postmaster  was  Major  Timothy  Carll. 


The  first  issue  of  the  first  newspaper  was  the  Suffolk 
Democrat,  April  8,  1859  under  the  editorship  of  John  R. 
Reid.  The  paper  had  been  published  in  Huntington  for 
about  15  years  and  in  1866  it  was  removed  back  to  Hunt- 
ington and  became  the  "Suffolk  Bulletin." 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  105 


Babylon  furnished  a  large  number  of  soldiers  for  the 
Civil.  War  and  among  them  in  the  127th  Regiment,  N.Y. 
Volunteers  was  2nd  Corporal  Alfred  C.  Tillotson,  who  later 
conducted  a  grocery  store  for  many  years  in  Northport. 


Owing  to  the  rapid  growth  of  the  Township  of  Hunting- 
ton and  the  distance  separating  the  villages  of  Babylon, 
Amityville  and  Breslau  from  the  Village  of  Huntington, 
there  arose  a  strong  desire  to  have  the  Township  divided, 
both  from  geographical  considerations  and  a  wide  diversity 
of  interests  between  the  towns  of  the  North  and  South  Shore 
and  this  desire  finally  culminated  in  an  appeal  to  the  State 
Legislature  as  follows : 

Petition  to  Divide  the  Town  of  Huntington. 
To  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New  York : 

We  the  undersigned  voters  and  taxpayers  of  the  Town 
of  Huntington,  Suffolk  County,  New  York  respectfully 
petition  your  Honorable  Body  for  the  passage  of  an  act 
to  divide  the  Town  of  Huntington  into  two  towns. 

Dated  January  27,  1872. 

The  above  petition  was  signed  by  131  taxpayers,  and 
the  Act  of  the  Legislature  erecting  the  Town  of  Babylon  out 
of  the  southern  part  of  the  Town  of  Huntington  was  passed 
March  13,  1872. 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  Commissioner's 
report : 

We,  the  undersigned  Commissioners  duly  named  in  and 
appointed  under  Chapter  105  of  the  Session  Laws  of  the 
State  of  New  York  passed  March  13,  1872  for  the  appor- 
tionment of  the  personal  property  belonging  to  the  Old 
Town  of  Huntington  (as  it  existed  on  the  first  Tuesday  of 
April  1872)  not  required  to  meet  liabilities  of  said  Town  of 
Huntington,  then  due,  or  about  to  become  due,  which  had 
been  authorized  or  directed,  by  any  existing  act,  as  also  all 


ion 


HIST<  >UY  OF  THK  ORIGIXAL 


debts.  bonds,  obligations  and  liabilities  of  the  Town  of 
Huntington,  existing  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  the  act, 
or  which  had  been  authorized  or  contracted,  to  apportion 
the  same  between  the  Town  of  Babylon  and  the  Town  of 
Huntington,  as  continued  according  to  the  amount  of  tax- 
able property  in  each  to  be  ascertained  by  the  assessment  roll 
of  the  said  Town  of  Huntington,  for  the  year  1871,  do 
hereby  report  as  follows :  viz : 

—  Summary  — 

We  find  the  amount  paid  out  for  the  old 
Town  on  bills,  bonds,  notes  and  contracts  due, 
and  contracted  by  said  Town  to  be  for  the  term 


ending  April  2nd,  1872   $45,594.71 

We  find  there  are  bills  outstanding  and  not 

yet  paid,  amounting  to   196.00 

We  find  there  are  Bounty  Bonds,  not  yet 

due,  amounting  to  the  sum  of   7,600.00 

There  will  be  one  year's  interest  on  the  above 

to  April  1,  1874   532.00 


Making  total  amount  of  obligations  paid  and 

to  be  hereafter  paid  as  stated  above   $53,922.71 

Deduct  therefrom  accounts  pd.  out    45,795.86 


Leaves  a  balance  to  be  provided  for  between 
the  towns  as  per  their  proportional  part,  namely  : 
Huntington  $6501.48  -  Babylon  $1625.37  ....  $  8,126.85 

Suffolk  County  )  ss. 

We  the  undersigned  Commissioners  appointed  by  and 
under  Chapter  105,  of  the  Session  Laws  of  the  State  of 
Yew  York,  of  1872,  and  also  John  E.  Ireland,  present 
Supervisor  of  the  Town  of  Babylon,  do  hereby  certify  that 
the  sum  of  eight  thousand  one  hundred  and  twenty  six  and 
85/100  dollars  ($8126.85)  as  shown  by  the  annexed  report 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  107 


as  being  due  from  the  two  towns  collectively,  has  been  pro- 
portioned as  follows,  viz : 


and  the  same  has  been  raised  on  the  tax  list  of  the  respective 
towns,  and  I,  J.  Amherst  Woodhull,  as  Supervisor  of  the 
Town  of  Huntington,  do  hereby  exonerate  the  Town  of 
Babylon  from  the  payment,  the  same  having  been  received 
by  me,  from  them,  of  her  proportional  part  of  the  above 
named  amount. 

Dated  Amity ville,  April  2,  1874. 

J.  x\mherst  Woodhull, 

Commissioner  for  Huntington 
James  T.  Morris, 

Commissioner  of  Babylon 
John  E.  Ireland, 

Supervisor  of  Babylon. 
All  of  the  above  is  hereby  submitted  as  being  the  whole  and 
true  account  of  all  credits,  debts,  demands  and  evidences  of 
indebtedness  due,  and  to  become  due,  for  and  against  the 
Town  of  Huntington  as  it  existed  on  the  2nd  day  of  April, 
in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy-two, 
subject  however  to  any  just  and  lawful  claims  for  or  against 
the  said  original  Town  as  heretofore  constituted,  and  the 
same  to  be  decided  as  to  their  legality  by  the  Supervisors 
of  the  respective  Towns  of  Babylon  and  Huntington,  for 
the  time  being  when  presented. 

Dated  Amityville,  Town  of  Babylon,  April  2,  1874. 
J.  Amherst  Woodhull, 

Commissioner  for  Huntington 
James  T.  Morris, 

Commissioner  for  Babylon. 


Town  of  Huntington 
Town  of  Babylon 


$6501.48 
1625.37 


While  Huntington  still  maintains  its  lead  as  the  largest 


io8  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


village  in  the  Township  of  Huntington,  Babylon  which  now 
has  a  population  of  3700,  is  second  to  that  of  Amityville 
with  a  population  of  4245. 

During  the  last  five  years  Amityville  gained  980  in 
population  while  Babylon  in  the  same  time  gained  1 175,  so 
at  the  same  ratio  of  gain  it  should  pass  Amityville  in  about 
1940. 

The  casual  visitor  or  the  summer  sojourner  is  greatly 
impressed  with  the  beauties  of  Babylon,  and  of  course  those 
that  reside  there  are  captivated  by  its  many  charms  and 
seem  to  believe  it  bids  fair  to  outshine  its  ancient  namesake 
with  its  famous  hanging  gardens. 

The  Long  Island  Railroad  recently  electrified  the  branch 
from  Jamaica  to  Babylon,  which  will  unquestionably  greatly 
enhance  its  desirability  as  a  place  of  residence  and  of  course 
thereby  greatly  increase  real  estate  values  and  result  in  a 
very  rapid  growth  in  population. 

The  present  taxable  value  of  property  of  the  Village  of 
Babylon  is  $4,700,000. 

With  its  broad  streets,  several  of  which  are  hardsur- 
faced,  its  concrete  walks,  beautiful  shade  trees,  famous 
shore  front,  delightful  park,  handsome  residences  and  many 
imposing  public  buildings  Babylon  possesses  all  the  neces- 
sary attributes  that  go  to  make  up  the  attractive,  thriving 
successful  village  of  this  present  day  and  age. 

The  Town  Hall,  a  fireproof  building,  was  erected  in 
T917  and  here  are  housed  the  necessary  political  machinery 
for  conducting  the  business  affairs  of  the  Town  of  Babylon. 
Near  the  Town  Hall  is  the  Babylon  Public  Library,  while 
across  the  street  is  the  new  Babylon  Theatre  erected  in  1923 
and  supposed  to  have  cost  over  $100,000. 

Oak  Island  and  Fire  Island  inlets  are  famed  as  fishing 
resorts  and  for  the  vast  number  of  fish  that  are  caught  there 
and  for  their  large  size,  and  particularly  for  the  vast  num- 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


ber  and  mammoth  size  of  the  fish  stories  that  emanate  from 
and  around  Babylon. 

Trie  writer  recalls  one  of  these  fish  stories  which  ran 
about  as  follows :  A  party  fishing  in  Oak  Island  inlet  was 
trying  to  land  a  mammoth  weak  fish  and  in  his  excitement 
dropped  his  lighted  pipe,  which  fell  into  the  fish's  mouth 
which  just  then  managed  to  flop  free,  and  lo  and  behold  the 
following  year  the  same  party  was  fishing  around  in  Hunt- 
ington Bay  and  landed  the  same  fish  and  incidentally  recov- 
ered his  pipe,  which  was  still  smoking. 

Babylon  claims  to  have  more  public  water  front  than 
any  town  on  Long  Island  and  that  means  everything  to  the 
general  public  in  these  days  when  the  automobile  makes 
distances  a  secondary  consideration. 

With  its  boating,  fishing,  cruising,  yachting,  bathing 
and  hunting,  it  holds  out  inducements  for  practically  every 
member  of  the  family  to  locate  within  its  beautiful  borders, 
and  with  unsurpassed  schools,  and  beautiful  Memorial  Park, 
it  almost  irresistibly  captivates  the  average  home-seeker. 

According  to  the  latest  available  figures  the  member- 


ship of  Babylon  Churches  is  as  follows : 

St.  Joseph's  Roman  Catholic  Church  1400 

Presbyterian  Church  557 

Methodist  Church  400 

Christ  Protestant  Episcopal  200 

First  Baptist  175 

African  Methodist  Episcopal  16 


Babylon  is  proud  of  the  average  longevity  of  its  citizens 
and  submits  a  list  of  those  living  within  her  borders  and  who 
have  passed  the  allotted  span  of  life  of  70,  as  set  forth  in  the 
Book  of  Books. 

The  list  is  part  of  the  closing  section. 


I  l() 


HISTORY  OK  THE  ORIGINAL 


BABYLON  IN  1930. 

It  seems  quite  reasonable  to  suppose  that  the  Babylon 
five  years  hence  will  scarcely  be  recognizable  by  the  village 
residents  of  today,  for  it  must  inevitably  extend  its  limits 
to  accommodate  the  thousands  that  will  want  to  locate  with- 
in her  boundaries,  particularly  since  the  electric  car  service 
has  been  installed. 

Mere  growth  in  population  is  not  desirable  and  so  Baby- 
lon must  place  proper  restrictions,  so  that  along  with  quan- 
tity she  will  likewise  be  assured  of  quality,  for  quantity  alone 
is  a  great  liability  and  scarcely  if  ever  becomes  a  real  asset. 

In  enlarging  her  boundaries  ample  provision  should  be 
made  for  parks  and  schools  and  fire  protection,  for  the  ex- 
tension of  concrete  side-walks  and  streets,  for  a  sewerage 
system,  in  fact  for  all  the  conveniences  and  requirements  of 
a  city  of  the  first  class  today. 

In  vision  one  can  picture  the  greater  Babylon  of  1930 
as  .a  city  of  from  10  to  12  thousand  people,  with  broad  ave- 
nues, all  hard  surfaced,  with  department  stores  and  beautiful 
public  buildings  and  handsome  bungalows,  residences  and 
mansions  and  estates,  with  absolutely  fire  proof  school  build- 
ings, half  hour  service  to  the  city,  beautiful  recreation  parks, 
and  a  city  government  second  to  none,  and  with  the  single 
idea  in  view  of  making  Babylon  the  cleanest,  the  prettiest, 
the  healthiest,  the  most  charming  and  the  most  desirable 
place  in  the  world  in  which  to  live. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


NORTHPORT 


We  have  now  arrived  at  what  was  originally  intended 
to  be  the  subject  of  this  article,  namely,  "NORTHPORT 
SEVENTY-FIVE  YEARS  AGO,  AND  NORTHPORT 
TODAY." 

What  tender  memories  are  recalled  by  the  mere  mention 
of  the  word  Northport,  to  one  who  has  lived  within  her 
boundaries  for  nearly  thirty  years,  and  it  was  only  because 
of  a  profound  regard  and  esteem  for  my  beloved  Northport 
that  induced  me  to  consider  for  a  single  moment  breaking 
into  print  on  any  subject,  but  after  a  little  meditation  and 
reflection,  it  seemed  to  me  if  the  article  could  be  presented 
to  the  public  of  this  particular  part  of  Suffolk  County  in 
the  proper  light,  it  might  result  in  lasting  benefits  of  inestim- 
able value,  particularly  to  Northport  and  also  to  the  entire 
town  of  Huntington. 

It  was  my  purpose  in  the  beginning  to  confine  myself  to 
the  title  as  above  stated,  deriving  my  information  very 
largely  from  the  personal  recollections  of  one  who  lived  in 
those  stirring  days  of  1850  and  who  is  still  with  us,  but  in 
collecting  the  necessary  material  to  do  that,  a  thirst  or  desire 
was  created  to  trace  Northport  back  to  its  earliest  days,  until 
the  subject  became  an  entrancing  one,  and  believing  it  will 
prove  to  be  most  interesting  and  instructive  reading  and  well 
worth  while  from  an  historical  standpoint,  we  will  consider 
Northport  first  from  about  1657  or  2^8  years  ago  down  to 
about  1800,  and  in  doing  so  it  will  perhaps  enable  us  to  bet- 
ter understand  the  real  subject  when  we  come  to  it  of 
"The  Northport  of  75  years  ago",  and  "The  Northport  of 


[12  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

today",  and  1  am  hoping  that  somehow,  sometime,  and  I 
trust  that  sometime  may  be  very  soon,  when  the  real  pur- 
pose for  which  the  article  was  written  will  be  accomplished, 
and  that  "The  Northport  of  tomorrow"  will  then  stand 
forth  in  regal  splendor,  as  the  most  beautiful  village,  not 
only  of  the  great  Empire  State,  but  of  all  the  Eastern  United 
States  as  well,  and  it  is  solely  with  that  ultimate  aim  and 
object  in  view  that  the  article  was  written. 

As  citizens  of  this  great  republic,  we  are  all  more  or  less 
interested  in  our  ancestral  or  family  tree,  and  so  I  have  no 
doubt  the  citizens  of  this  beautiful  village  would  like  to 
know  something  of  the  very  earliest  days  of  Northport,  but 
careful  search  fails  to  give  any  very  definite  information  as 
to  just  when  or  who  were  the  first  settlers  here. 

Whether  the  first  ones  to  settle  here  came  by  boat  up  the 
harbor,  or  whether  they  approached  the  harbor,  through  the 
valley,  that  later  became  the  Main  Street,  or  whether  their 
eyes  first  beheld  the  beautiful  handiwork  of  nature  from 
Highland  Park,  or  whether  they  first  came  from  Huntington 
as  seems  quite  likely,  matters  but  little,  for  from  any  vantage 
point,  any  desire  or  instinct  they  might  possess  for  the  beau- 
tiful and  the  artistic,  would  naturally  be  stirred  to  its  deepest 
depths,  and  well  might  they  have  exclaimed,  "truly  here  the 
firmament  showeth  the  handiwork  of  the  great  Creator/' 
and  here  in  this  enchanted  spot  we  will  build  our  homes,  and 
those  early  pioneers  have  handed  down  to  their  descendants, 
the  same  belief  and  regard  and  love  for  the  natural  beauties 
of  Northport,  as  stirred  their  hearts  so  many  years  ago. 

While  I  have  every  appearance  of  being  a  venerable  old 
gray  headed  man.  and  might  possibly  be  taken  to  be  seventy- 
five  or  more,  and  that  hence  this  article  was  written  from 
personal  experience,  beg  leave  to  assure  the  reader  that 
such  is  not  the  case  by  any  means,  and  that  I  am  just  as 
young  in  spirit  as  when  twenty-one  and  not  only  that,  I  am 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  113 

not  even  a  native  New  Yorker  or  Northporter,  having  first 
beheld  the  light  of  day  in  the  good  old  Hawkeye  State  and 
having  moved  to  this  village  from  Chicago  in  1897,  and 
hence  it  stands  to  reason,  that  for  history  and  geography  of 
seventy-five  years  ago,  I  could  not  even  draw  upon  the 
imagination,  and  so  I  have  consulted  with  one  who  was  then 
well  on  the  road  to  ninety-two  years  of  age,  and  who 
seventy-five  years  ago  was  a  sturdy  lad  of  sixteen  or  seven- 
teen, and  born  in  the  house  that  stands  a  little  to  the  west  of 
the  Centerport  bridge. 

I  refer  to  Capt.  Henry  Frank  Smith,  than  whom  no 
better  man  ever  sailed  the  seas,  a  man  of  sterling  worth  and 
unimpeachable  character,  universally  loved  and  respected  by 
all  who  know  him  and  in  my  humble  opinion  gifted  with 
the  most  remarkable  memory  for  names,  dates  and  events 
of  any  man  with  whom  I  have  ever  come  in  contact,  a 
memory  that  any  young  man  of  21  could  well  envy,  and  as 
I  have  listened  to  his  recital  of  those  old  days  of  75  years 
ago,  that  recital  has  woven  about  me  a  fascination  and 
charm  that  I  wish  I  might  impart  to  the  reader  that  he  too 
might  see  in  vision  the  good  old  days  of  our  fathers  that  we 
frequently  hear  so  much  about  when  life  consisted  in  living, 
unhampered  by  modern  inventions  and  organizations  and 
responsibilities  that  sap  our  strength  and  steal  away  our 
time. 

The  statements  made  relative  to  75  years  ago,  are  made 
from  memory  only,  and  it  is  not  claimed  or  to  be  presumed 
that  they  are  infallible,  for  to  tie  oneself  down  explicitly  to 
the  year  1850  would  be  an  utter  impossibility,  but  it  is  be- 
lieved they  are  practically  correct,  and  certainly  correct  in 
so  far  as  human  memory  can  recall  them,  and  so  far  as  they 
could  be  verified  by  other  people  and  as  I  know  of  no  other 
source  where  information  can  be  secured  that  would  give 
a  bird's-eye  view  of  this  village  as  it  existed  in  1850  it  really 


114 


HISTORY  OF  TI1K  ORIGINAL 


becomes  a  matter  of  quite  some  historical  importance. 

Of  course  it  is  needless  to  say  that  people  were  just  the 
same  then  as  they  are  now,  indeed  they  were  bone  of  our 
bone  and  flesh  of  our  flesh,  our  progenitors,  and  we  esteem 
and  cherish  and  revere  their  memory,  and  may  we  ever  re- 
member that  we  are,  what  we  are,  very  largely  because  of 
what  they  were  then,  and  may  all  their  good  qualities  as 
well  as  ours  be  transmitted  to  our  posterity. 

In  those  good  old  days,  there  were  the  same  likes  and  dis- 
likes, the  same  loves  and  hates,  and  here  the  progressive 
youth  of  their  day,  wooed  and  won  the  blushing,  bashful 
maidens  in  the  same  old  way,  and  even  long  before  their 
time,  here  also  the  native  American,  the  red  man  wooed 
the  dusky  Indian  damsel  and  perhaps  fought  mighty  con- 
flicts where  Xorthport  now  stands  for  the  surrounding 
region  abounds  in  arrow  heads,  etc.,  and  so  as  I  tread  the 
concrete  side-walks  that  now  line  the  village  streets,  and  see 
the  same  sun,  the  same  moon  and  the  same  stars  as  beamed 
forth  upon  those  who  once  trod  this  historic  ground,  in 
vision  and  fancy  I  would  fain  call  forth  the  mighty  cloud 
of  witnesses  that  ever  set  foot  on  this  beautiful  island,  and 
listen  to  the  recital  of  their  life  story,  that  one  might  revel 
in  the  history  of  by-gone  ages,  and  then  that  one  might  by 
means  of  some  magic  wand  or  mystic  power  be  made  to  feel 
that  right  here,  in  our  very  midst,  is  that  fountain  of  per- 
petual youth  for  which  Ponce  DeLeon  sought  in  vain,  and 
whereby  one  might  continue  to  read  the  life  recital  of  suc- 
ceeding ages  until  earth  shall  be  no  more. 

If  dreams  and  fancies  and  visions  and  ideals  could  only 
be  made  realities,  then  I  am  sure  that  every  man,  woman 
and  child  could  and  would  hitch,  not  their  wagon  but  their 
auto  to  a  star,  universal  brotherhood  would  reign  supreme 
and  the  human  race  be  so  uplifted,  that  man  would  continue 
to  grow  more  and  more  like  the  Great  Master  of  Men. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  115 


That  seems  to  be  the  task  mapped  out  for  posterity  and 
not  for  our  present  day  and  generation,  though  fortunately 
I  believe  we  are  headed  that  way. 

The  old  original  settlement  of  the  Town  of  Huntington 
was  about  ten  miles  in  extent  east  and  west,  and  twenty  miles 
north  and  south  and  included  the  present  town  of  Babylon, 
being  bounded  on  the  north  by  Long  Island  Sound,  on  the 
east  by  Smithville  or  Smithtown,  on  the  south  by  the  Atlan- 
tic Icean  and  on  the  west  by  the  town  of  Oyster  Bay. 

The  first  historical  fact  concerning  Northport  then 
known  as  Cow  Harbor  was  the  second  purchase  of  property 
from  the  Matinnecock  Indians  in  1656. 

Cow  Harbor  was  the  name  applied  to  this  section  for  a 
great  many  years,  in  fact  the  first  mention  of  Northport  as 
far  as  the  town  records  disclose  was  in  1837  or  181  years 
after  the  land  was  purchased  from  the  Indians. 

The  second  purchase  or  deed  of  property  which  included 
Northport  (then  designated  Cow  Harbor)  is  such  a  unique 
and  interesting  document  it  is  here  produced  in  full. 

"This  indenture  made  in  the  yeare  1656,  in  or  abought 
the  Laste  day  of  July  bee  twixt  Asharoken  Montinnock 
Sachem  and  the  reste  of  the  Indian  owners  with  him,  on  the 
one  parte,  and  Jonas  Wood,  William  Rogers,  Thomas 
Wilkes,  for  themselves  and  the  reste  of  theire  associates, 
on  the  other  parte ;  Witnesseth  that  I,  Asharoken  have  solid 
unto  Jonas  Wood,  William  Rogers,  Thomas  Wilkes  all  the 
medoe,  freshe,  and  salte  lyinge  and  beinge  upon  the  north 
side  of  Longe  Islande,  from  our  fourmer  bounds  Cow  Har- 
bor brooke  to  Neesaquock  river,  all  the  medoe  within  these 
bounds  weste  and  easte,  and  to  the  north  sayd  to  as  far  as 
Asharokens  bounds  goeth  "Southwards,  as  the  necke  called 
Eatons  Necke,  Crabmedos,  and  all  the  reste  of  the  medows 
within  the  a  fore  sayde  boundes  with  all  the  arbige  that  is 
or  shall  bee  heareafter  upon  the  woods,  lands  with  in  the  a 


i  [6  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


fore  sayde  bounds  to  bee  the  afore  sayd  Jonas  is  Willans 
and  Thomas  is  to  them  and  thare  a  sosiats,  heeres  and 
execators  for  ever,  rasarvinge  to  the  Indians  Liberty  to 
plante  and  hunte  within  thees  a  fore  sayd  bounds,  and  that 
for  and  in  consideration  of  2  coates,  fore  shertes,  seven 
quarts  of  licker  and  aleven  ounces  of  powther  in  witness 
heeareof  wee  have  set  to  our  hands. 


Acharoken 

X  his 

mark 

Jonas  Wood 

Makamah 

X  his 

mark 

William  Rogers 

Syhar 

X  his 

mark 

Thomas  Wilkes 

Foger 

X  his 

mark 

Poynepya 

X  his 

mark 

Xamerows 

X  his 

mark 

Mohemos 

X  his 

mark 

Mamarad 

X  his 

mark 

Manateroryi 

e  X  his 

mark 

Entered  in 

ye  office 

at  New 

Yorke  the  15th  day  of 

October,  1666. 

Matthias  Nicolls,  Seer. 
Included  in  the  above  deed  was  all  the  property  between 
the  brook  at  the  head  of  Northport  Harbor  and  Smithtown 
Harbor,  South  to  Old  Country  Road  and  North  to  the 

Sound. 

It  would  also  appear  from  this  deed,  that  what  is  now 
the  ultra  fashionable  and  beautiful  Asharoken  Beach  derived 
its  name  from  this  Matinnecock  chieftain. 

No  doubt  immediately  after  this  purchase  in  1656  set- 
tlers began  to  locate  around  Northport  Bay,  but  again  his- 
tory is  silent  as  to  their  names. 

Remarkable  as  it  may  seem,  there  is  no  record  whatever 
of  any  trouble  between  the  first  white  settlers  on  Long  Island 
and  the  Indians  then  occupying  the  Island,  and  I  am  inclined 
to  believe  it  was  very  largely  due  to  the  fact  that  here  the 
settlers  bargained  with  the  natives  first  and  paid  them  for 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  117 


their  lands,  while  in  New  England  in  many  instances  they 
seized  the  lands  first  and  then  arranged  payment  afterward. 

The  following  is  the  last  Indian  deed  of  record  and  was 
executed  by  Ned  Lane  and  two  squaws,  Charity  Lane  and 
Bette  Squa,  the  sole  survivors  of  the  once  very  powerful 
Matinnecock  tribe. 

This  deed  it  will  be  observed  covers  the  same  territory 
deeded  in  1656  with  the  addition  of  Eaton's  Neck  and  ex- 
tended from  the  head  of  Cow  Harbor  or  Northport  Harbor 
to  Smithtown. 

No  reason  is  assigned  for  this  duplication  of  deeds  but 
it  would  seem  perhaps  that  Ned  was  in  need  of  winter  blan- 
kets (it  being  in  February),  and  a  little  change  in  his  pocket 
and  so  laid  claim  to  the  land  in  question  as  sole  heir  of  the 
Matinnecocks. 

The  deed  reads  as  follows  : — 

To  all  People  to  whom  these  Presents  shall  come  know 
ye  that  we  ned  Lane  and  Charity  Lane  &  also  Bette  Squa 
the  widow  of  Maharason  Indian  Deceased  all  of  Huntington 
in  Suffolk  County  on  Nassau  Island  Being  the  only  Surviv- 
ing Heirs  of  Asharoken  Metinicok  Sachem  Deseased  have 
for  &  in  Consideration  of  two  Good  New  Dutch  Blanquits 
as  also  for  a  Valueeble  Sum  of  Currant  Money  of  New  York 
to  us  in  hand  well  and  truly  Paid  by  Joseph  Lewis  Prece- 
dent Timothy  Scuder  Cornelius  Hartt  Samuel  Stratton, 
Reuben  Brush,  Jeremiah  Wood  and  Jecobus  Nostran  all  of 
the  same  place  Being  Present  trustees  of  the  Town  of  Hunt- 
ington aforesaid  the  recept  whereof  we  do  hereby  acknow- 
ledge &  ourselves  therewith  to  be  fully  satisfied  &  contented 
&  Do  hereby  acquit  &  Discharge  the  said  Trustees  above 
named  &  their  associates,  their  Heirs,  successor  &  Assigns 
forever  have  given  Granted  Bargained  sold  alienated  en- 
feeffed  Conveyed  &  Confirmed  &  By  these  Presents  do  fully 
&  absolutely  give  grant  Bargain  sell  alien  enfeeff  convey  & 


nS 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


confirm  unto  them  the  said  trustees  above  named  their  asso- 
ciates their  Heirs  successors  and  assigns  Forever  all  the 
Soyl  Right  Planting  and  Hunting  right  and  all  the  remain- 
der whatsoever  that  was  Reserved  to  the  Indians  in  a  Cer- 
tain Deed  from  under  the  hand  &  seal  of  the  said  asharoken 
&  his  associates  Bearing  Date  the  Last  Day  of  July  1656. 
that  is  from  Cow  Harbor  Brook  to  Nesequag  River  within 
those  Bounds  west  and  east  and  to  the  North  sea  and  as  far 
southwards  as  asharokens  Bounds  or  Limmits  Did  ever  ex- 
tend and  the  Neck  called  eatons  Neck  and  Crabmedow  all 
Being  within  the  Limmits  of  the  Former  Pattent  granted 
unto  the  said  Town  of  Huntington  with  all  the  timbers 
Trees  rights  Lyberties  &  appurtenances  to  the  same  Belong- 
ing or  appertaining  To  Have  &  To  Hold  all  the  above 
Demised  Premises  with  the  appurtenances  unto  them  ye 
said  Trustees  their  heirs  successors  and  assigns  Forever  and 
we  the  said  Ned  Lane  Charity  Lane  and  Bette  Squa  do 
hereby  declare  that  we  had  good  &  Law  full  right  to  sell  & 
Dispose  of  ye  same  in  manner  as  above  said  and  that  the 
said  Trustees  above  named  their  heirs  successors  &  assigns 
shall  &  may  at  all  times  forever  hereafter  By  Virtue  here 
of  Peacably  &  Quietly  have  hold  Possess  &  Injoy  all  ye 
above  Demised  premises  with  the  Appurtenances  free  & 
clear  from  all  former  Bargains  &  sales  whatsoever  In  wit- 
ness hereunto  we  have  set  to  our  hand  &  seals  this  second 
day  of  February  Anno  Dominie  one  thousand  and  seven 
hundred  and  sixty  Two. 
Sealed  &  delivered 

In  the  presence  of 
Joshue  Ketcham 
Solomon  Ketcham 

Ned  (his  X  mark)  Lane 

Charity  (her  X  mark  )  Lane 

Bette  (  her  X  mark)  Squa 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


119 


Evidently  the  inhabitants  of  Cow  Harbor  from  the  time 
this  land  was  purchased  in  1656  up  to  the  close  of  the 
Revolutionary  War  dwelt  in  harmony,  and  done  nothing 
unseemly  for  there  is  no  record  whatever  of  any  of  them 
having  to  appear  before  the  town  fathers  for  any  offence 
whatever. 

It  is  a  matter  of  record  that  at  the  close  of  the  Revo- 
lutionary War  there  were  221  heads  of  families  in  the  town 
of  Huntington,  apportioned  as  follows :  Huntington  proper 
102,  West  Hills  28,  Long  Swamp  13,  Dix  Hills  35,  Old 
Field  12  and  Northport  31  and  the  estimated  population 
was  1 100. 

The  31  families  residing  in  Cow  Harbor  or  Northport 
were  as  follows  : — 


The  records  disclose  that  Nathaniel  Jarvis  served  in 
Captain  John  Wickes  Company  from  July  29th  to  Aug.  31, 
1776  and  Jesse  Bryant  in  Capt  Nathaniel  Piatt's  Company, 


Joseph  Bunce 
Joshua  Bunce 
Widow  Bunce 
Zebulon  Bunce 
Benjamin  Denice 
Thos.  Fleet 
Widow  Havens 
Dan  Higby 
Abel  Akerly 
Samuel  Akerly 
Jesse  Baldwin 
Jeams  Bishop 
Epenetus  Bryant 
Jesse  Bryant 
Widow  Bryant 


Joseph  Higby 
Stephen  Higby 
Jeams  Hill 
Abraham  Jarvis 
Icabod  Jarvis 
Nathaniel  Jarvis 
Nathaniel  Kelcy 
Wm.  Nichols 
Jesse  Oaks 
Jacob  Piatt 
Josiah  Rogers 
Noah  Rogers 
Stephen  Rogers 
Phineas  Sills 
Widow  Udall 


Stephen  Wickes 


I  JO 


1 1 1  STORY  OF  Till".  <  )RIGINAL 


both  a  part  of  Col.  Josiah  Smith's  Regiment,  and  presum- 
ably both  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Brooklyn  after  which 
tiie  regiment  was  disbanded,  many  returning  home  and  a 
few  joining  the  Continental  Army. 

Apparently  these  were  the  only  two  from  Cow  Harbor 
or  Xorthport  that  had  any  part  in  the  Revolutionary  War 
for  in  the  first  lot  of  430  that  took  the  Oath  of  Loyalty  to 
the  King  at  Huntington,  we  find  the  names  of  Abel  Akerly, 
Jesse  Baldwin,  Jeams  Bishop,  Jesse  Bryant,  Joseph  Bunce, 
Joshua  Bunce.  Zebulon  Bunce,  Benjamin  Denice,  Dan 
Higby,  Joseph  Higby,  Stephen  Higby,  Abraham  Jarvis, 
Ichabod  Jarvis,  Nathaniel  Jarvis,  Nathaniel  Kelcy,  Wm. 
Nichols,  Jesse  Oaks,  Jacob  Piatt,  Josiah  Rogers,  Stephen 
Rogers,  Phineas  Sills  and  Stephen  Wickes,  a  total  of  22 
and  a  few  days  later  in  the  same  year,  1778,  there  were  119 
additional  men  took  the  oath,  among  which  were  Samuel 
Ackerly,  Epenetus  Bryant,  Thos.  Fleet,  Jeams  Hill  and 
Noah  Rogers,  or  a  total  of  27,  and  the  4  widows  mentioned 
in  the  list  of  inhabitants  accounts  for  the  entire  31  families. 

It  was  absolutely  necessary  to  take  this  Oath  of 
Loyalty  or  be  accused  of  treason,  besides  having  one's  prop- 
erty confiscated,  as  this  entire  section  was  completely  under 
the  domination  of  the  British,  they  having  a  regiment  or 
more  of  British  soldiers  stationed  in  the  Village  of  Hunt- 
ington. 

Of  the  31  families  living  in  Cow  Harbor  at  the  close 
of  the  Revolutionary  War,  17  of  them  appear  on  the  Assess- 
ment Roll,  their  property  being  assessed  as  follows : 

Samuel  &  Abell  Akerly 
Epenetus  Bryant 
Jessie  Bryant 
Jeams  Bishop 
Joseph  Bunce 


£  70 
170 

36 
47 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  121 


Benjamin  Denice 

60 

Joseph  Higby 

42-10 

James  Hill 

63 

Abraham  Jarvis 

55 

Ichabod  Jarvis 

50 

Nathaniel  Kelcy 

1 10 

Wm.  Nichols 

20 

Jesse  Oaks 

95 

Jacob  Piatt 

68 

Josiah  Rogers 

114 

Noah  Rogers 

120 

Phineas  Sills 

25 

The  first  official  notice 

in  the  Town  Records  dealing 

with  Cow  Harbor  specifically  is  in  1795  and  ls  m  tne  f°rni 
of  a  petition  to  the  trustees  as  follows : 

Petition  to  the  Trustees  May  20,  1795. 

We  the  subscribers  Inhabitants  of  Cow  Harbor  would 
direct  our  request  to  the  Consideration  of  Mr.  John  Brush 
President  of  Huntington.  We  think  ourselves  much  ag- 
grieved by  a  particular  set  of  Persons  who  are  making  it 
their  Business  to  catch  and  carry  Clams  &  Oysters  to  New 
England  and  as  the  Bed  is  but  small  they  will  soon  all  be 
destroyed  and  we  forever  be  deprived  of  the  priveledge.  We 
wish  that  some  means  might  speedily  be  used  to  put  a  stop 
to  it  which  would  be  a  public  benefit  as  well  as  a  great 
convenience  to  us.  The  persons  employed  in  the  Business 
are  two  or  three  Free  Blacks  belonging  to  this  Town  &  two 
or  three  others  from  we  know  not  where. 

We  are  certain  it  is  not  for  want  of  employment  that 
would  be  more  profit  but  because  they  are  two  Idle  to  fol- 
low it. 

This  petition  is  signed  by  36  of  the  then  residents  of 
Northport. 


122  HISTORY  OF  T1IK  ORIGINAL 

In  the  minutes  of  the  Trustees  Meeting  of  Jan.  28,  1802 
it  is  recorded  that  inquiry  was  to  be  made  "as  to  who  has 
been  cutting  Cedars  &  Pines  on  Eatons  Neck  Beach." 
Phineas  Carll  and  Daniel  Jarvis  appointed  to  go  to  Eaton 
Neck  Beach. 

Also  a  Complaint  respecting  the  Thatch  being  cut  at 
Cow  Harbour  by  Win.  Sills. 

The  following  record  has  to  do  with  what  was  undoubt- 
edly the  first  dock  constructed  in  Northport. 

1802 

To  the  President  and  Trustees  of  the  Town  of  Hunting- 
ton. 

We  the  Undersigned  being  Inhabitants  of  said  Town  & 
persons  who  frequent  the  Landing  Called  Bryans  Landing 
in  said  Town  Humbly  Request  that  A  Grant  or  Permission 
may  be  you  be  given  us  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  Public 
Dock  at  said  Landing  as  aforesaid  under  such  Rules  and 
Regulations  as  a  majority  of  the  persons  concerned  may 
adopt  from  time  to  time. 

As  the  public  utility  of  a  Dock  as  afore  said  must  be 
fully  manifest  to  you  we  flatter  ourselves  you  will  not  hesi- 
tate to  comply  with  our  request. 

Am  Gentlemen  yours,  &c, 
The  above  petition  bears  28  signatures. 

May  18,  1802. 

Whereas  Jesse  Bryan,  Elles  Carll, 
John  Scudder  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Hunt- 
ington and  other  persons  frequenting  the  Landing  called 
Bryans  Landing  in  the  Eastern  part  of  the  Town  of  Hunt- 
ington did  by  their  Petition  to  the  President  and  Trustees 
of  the  Commonality  of  the  Town  of  Huntington  request 
that  a  Grant  or  permission  be  given  them  and  such  other 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON   '  123 

persons  as  might  associate  themselves  with  them  for  the 
purpose  of  building  a  Dock  at  said  Landing  under  such 
rules  and  regulations  as  a  Majority  of  the  persons  concerned 
might  from  time  to  time  adopt  of  and  concerning  the  same. 

The  President  and  Trustees  in  pursuance  of  the  request 
contained  in  said  petition  did  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  April 
Grant  the  same  with  full  power  and  authority  to  said  persons 
to  build  said  Dock  and  to  make  such  necessary  laws  and 
regulations  of  and  concerning  the  same  as  may  be  deemed 
by  them  or  a  Majority  of  them  right  and  proper. 

Huntington,  May  18,  A.  D.  1802. 
By  Order  of  the  Trustees. 

John  Ketcham,  Clerk. 

A  copy  Granted. 


Lease — Trustees  of  Town  of  Huntington  to 
Joseph  C.  Lewis     March  1,  1824. 

"A  certain  piece  of  land  covered  with  water  situate  in  the 
said  Town  of  Huntington  at  a  place  called  and  known  by  the 
name  of  Cowharbour  and  on  the  west  side  thereof  for  the 
express  purpose  of  Building  a  Dock  thereon  bounded  as 

followeth  beginning  feet  northward  of  the  old  Dock  by 

the  Mill  of  Henry  S.  Lewis  and  others  running  easterly  into 
the  Harbour  to  low  water  mark  thence  Northerly  one 
hundred  feet,  thence  westerly  to  high  water  mark,  thence 
southerly  to  the  Place  of  beginning  but  not  to  obstruct  the 
free  passage  of  carriages  along  the  shore  on  the  west  side 
of  the  S'd  dock  or  lot  of  land  above  Described." 

Covenant  of  quiet  enjoyment. 

Term  fifty  years. 

Rental  6  cents  yearly. 

Right  of  re-entry  reserved  in  event  of  nonpayment  of 
rent. 


U4 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Dock  to  be  built  in  three  years. 
Kates  of  wharfage  specified. 

Option  of  renewing  the  lease  given  to  Lessee  for  same 
term  at  same  rental. 

Nathaniel  Potter,  P.  D. 

Witness 

Moses  Scudder 

Roswell  Drigg     Recorded  by  Moses  Rolph,  Town  Clerk 
The  reader  will  please  observe  that  this  in  reality  was 
a  lease  for  too  years  at  a  total  rental  of  $6.00. 

The  next  official  notice  of  Northport  is  a  Special  Meet- 
ing of  the  Trustees,  the  record  reading  as  follows  :- 

Trustee  Proceedings.  Special  Meeting,  Nov.  10,  1828. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  of  the  Freeholders  and 
commonality  of  the  Town  of  Huntington  convened  in  the 
village  of  Cow  harbour  on  -Monday,  the  10th  day  ''of 
November  1828,  present  Isaac  Conklin,  Pres.,  Selah  Carll, 
Richard  Van  Wyck,  John  Ketcham,  John  Oakley,  Junr. 
Trustees. 

Resolved  that  the  Commissioners  of  Highways  in  and 
for  said  Town  do  lay  out  a  public  highway  round  little  neck. 

Recorded  by  Moses  Rolph,  Town  Clerk. 

There  was  a  lease  granted  for  a  dock  at  the  head  of 
great  Cow  Harbour,  Sept.  5,  1832  and  some  time  between 
that  date  and  June  10,  1837  tne  name  of  Cow  harbour  was 
changed  to  Northport  but  the  record  is  silent  as  to  why  or 
when  or  by  whom. 

The  closing  statement  of  the  Meeting  of  the  Trustees. 
June  10,  1837  is  as  follows: 

Resolved  that  the  board  do  now  adjourn  to  Friday  in- 
stead of  Saturday  at  North  Port  the  16th  day  of  June  inst. 
at  2  O'clock  P.  M. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  125 


Lease — Trustees  to  John  Velsor. 

"A  certain  piece  of  land  covered 
with  water  at  the  head  of  North  port  (formerly  Great  Cow- 
harbour)  at  a  place  called  James  Point,  bounded  westerly 
by  a  highway  newly  laid  out,  easterly  by  the  Channel  to  be 
seventy  feet  front  and  rear,  which  land  included  is  for  the 
express  and  only  purpose  of  building  a  Dock  in  such  manner 
as  not  to  incumber  the  highway  at  the  head  of  said  Dock." 

Term  twenty  three  years.    Rental  fifty  cents  yearly. 

Trustees  reserve  right  of  re-entry  in  the  event  of  non- 
payment of  rent. 

Covenant  of  quiet  enjoyment. 

Rates  of  Wharfage  specified. 
Dated  5th  Sept.  1839. 
Witness  Chas.  A.  Floyd,  Pres.  (Seal) 

Josiah  Smith    Recorded  by  Josiah  Smith,  Town  Clerk. 


Petition  Sept.  1,  1842. 

We  the  Subscribers,  Inhabitants  and  freeholders  in  the 
Town  of  Huntington  do  hereby  petition  to  the  trustees  of 
said  town  (or  if  not  proper)  to  the  legal  authorities  having 
power  to  act  in  such  cases  to  take  into  consideration  the 
necessity  of  putting  a  Stop  to  dredging  for  oysters  in  the 
harbour  of  Northport  thereby  destroying  much  property 
belonging  to  the  town. 

Dated,  Northport,  Sept.  1,  1842. 

J.  C.  Lewis.  Selah  Bunce 

Melancton  Bryan  Lewis  Ketcham 

Bryan  Scidmore  Isaac  M.  Fleet 

Lyman  Sammis  Abraham  Ketcham 

James  F.  Hartt  H.  Sanford 

Augustus  H.  Scudder  John  B.  Kelsey 

Piatt  Lewis  Epenetus  Ketcham 
Solomon  Rogers. 


126  HISTORY  OK  THE  ORIGINAL 


The  following  is  a  fair  sample  of  the  leases  for  shore 
property  entered  into  between  the  Town  Trustees  and  pri- 
vate individuals. 

Lease — Trustees  to  Moses  Hart,  dated  Sept.  24,  1846. 

"A  certain  piece  of  land  covered  with  water  situate  in 
1  he  said  Town  of  Huntington  at  a  place  called  and  known  by 
the  name  of  Northport  Harbour  bounded  as  follows,  viz: 
beginning  on  a  parallel  line  with  Piatt  Lewis,  north  line 
adjoining  the  highway  that  runs  east  by  Selah  Bunce  at 
highwater  mark  and  running  westerly  seventy  feet  from  low 
water  mark  into  the  harbour,  thence  southerly  four  hundred 
and  ninety  five  feet,  thence  easterly  to  high  water  mark, 
thence  northerly  490  feet  to  the  place  of  beginning,  for  the 
express  purpose  of  building  a  dock. 

Not  to  obstruct  free  passage  of  vehicles  on  the  east  side 
of  the  dock. 

Term,  twenty  one  years. 

« 

Rental,  eight  and  25/100  dollars  yearly. 

Trustees  to  re-enter  in  event  of  non-payment  of  rent. 

Covenant  of  quiet  enjoyment. 

Trustee  to  renew  lease  upon  such  terms  as  may  be 
agreed  upon. 

Gilbert  Carll,  Pres. 
Recorded  by  Josiah  Smith. 

Town  Clerk. 


A  paper  called  the  Northport  Advertiser  was  published 
in  Northport  for  several  years  by  Jos.  S.  Lewis  and  the 
Suffolk  County  Journal  by  Benjamin  T.  Robbins. 

The  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Northport  was 
regularly  organized  in,  1794,  though  a  tentative  organiza- 
tion existed  for  some  years  prior  thereto,  the  first  minister 
being  the  Rev.  Joshua  Hartt,  more  familiarly  known  as 
Priest  Hartt.    This  church  was  built  in  Fresh  Pond  and 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  127 

Rev.  Hartt  served  the  church  from  1783  to  1809.  He  is  said 
to  have  married  more  couples  than  any  minister  in  the  town 
of  Huntington  either  before  or  since  his  time.  The  record 
discloses  over  500  marriages  and  the  ordinary  fee  was  $3.00. 
The  last  entry  in  his  marriage  record  after  stating  the  facts 
relative  to  the  marriage,  concludes  by  saying,  "Promised 
$50.00  and  paid  nothing." 

The  first  church  was  a  modest  frame  building,  located 
on  what  is  now  known  as  the  Ft.  Salonga  road. 

In  1829  a  new  building  was  erected  at  Red  Hook,  now 
Vernon  Valley,  in  back  of  what  is  commonly  called  the 
David  Bryant  house,  and  when  the  present  church  was  built 
in  1873  tne  building  in  Vernon  Valley  was  moved  to  the 
foot  of  Main  Street  and  forms  part  of  the  stores  now  oc- 
cupied by  the  A.  &  P.  store  and  Harry  Kirby's  and  one  of 
the  original  windows  is  still  intact  on  the  south  side  of  his 
ice-cream  parlor. 

Temperance  societies  became  very  active  and  very  ag- 
gressive about  1843  and  finally  centered  in  a  political  issue, 
and  the  vote  at  a  town  meeting  in  1846  was :  for  license  505 
against  license  483. 

Oyster  beds  were  first  discovered  in  Northport  Bay  in 
1848  and  later  became  the  leading  industry  of  the  village. 

Northport  has  ever  been  a  fraternity  town,  being  far 
ahead  of  her  sister  villages  in  Suffolk  County  as  far  as 
fraternities  are  concerned. 

The  first  lodge  located  in  Northport  was  Northport 
Lodge  No.  270  I.  O.  O.  F.  instituted  March  22,  1847. 

The  record  discloses  that  on  Jan.  19,  1847  Brothers 
Joel  Bryan,  Thos.  B.  Smith,  Selah  Bunce,  Wm.  Spriggs, 
Abraham  M.  Ketcham,  Arden  M.  Hallock  and  John  F. 
Udall  petitioned  the  Grand  Lodge  for  a  charter,  and  the 
application  stated  among  other  things  that  some  of  the 
petitioners  had  perilled  their  lives  in  rescuing  the  passengers 


u8        history  ok  the  original 


and  crew  of  the  Steamer  "Rhode  Island"  driven  ashore 
November  i,  1846.  That  they  had  recognized  the  O.  F. 
signal  of  distress  given  from  the  steamer  and  had  very 
promptly  responded.  The  charter  was  granted  with  seven 
charter  members  as  above  named. 

Capt.  Selah  Bunce  was  presented  with  a  gold  medal  by 
the  passengers  of  the  ill  fated  "Rhode  Island,"  and  the  in- 
scription reveals  that  there  were  only  three  of  these  charter 
members  directly  concerned  in  the  rescue,  being  Capt.  Selah 
Bunce  and  Wm.  Spriggs  and  John  F.  Udall. 

This  medal  was  inscribed  as  follows: 

Presented  to  Capt.  Selah  Bunce  by  the  passengers  of  the 
steamer  "Rhode  Island"  for  his  intrepidity  and  courage. 
Who  with  his  brave  associates,  John  F.  Udall,  Chas.  Conk- 
lin,  John  B.  Howard,  Nathaniel  H.  Kelsey,  Win.  Spriggs  & 
Jacob  Jarvis,  manned  the  first  boat  and  came  to  their  rescue 
while  lying  in  great  peril  among  the  breakers  off  the  Long 
Island  shore,  November  1,  1846. 

This  medal  which  was  a  reward  for  distinguished 
bravery  and  at  the  same  time  as  a  heartfelt  expression  of 
the  deepest  gratitude  on  the  part  of  those  rescued  is  now  in 
the  possession  of  Mrs.  Chas.  T.  Sammis  who  was  a  daughter 
of  John  F.  Udall. 


Northport  Lodge  No.  270  held  its  sessions  in  the  old  sail 
loft  on  the  dock  and  numbered  as  its  membership  about 
1854,  the  following. 

Joel  Bryan  Charter  Member 


Selah  Bunce 
Thos.  B.  Smith 
Arden  M.  Hallock 
Abraham  M.  Ketcham 
Wm.  Spriggs 


Parmenius  I.  Hawkins 
Jonas  S.  Higbee 
Shepard  Higbee 
John  W.  Hulse 
Cornelius  E.  Ketcham 
Harvev  Ketcham 


TOWXSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


fTilhp-rt  ArVprlv 
vjiiuvi  l    i  iti\ci  i y 

I  UC1  S\.  xvClUldlll 

vai  i 1  lai  1   v-J .    Dal  L v  / 

Qfprvhpn    A      Y<  ptr*nQtn 
oicpncii  r\.  rvc luuiiij 

Coalman  Rarto 

T<  crhprt   S     T  PW1<s 

Rpn  lainin  K  Rrnu'n 

XJ Cllla.111111   X   .    XJ  1  UW  11 

I  1  CI  11  V    C  .    J-/C  \V  lb 

Spmnpl  S  Rrnwn 

vJCli  1  i  L I 1     y_J  .     -L*  1  v-J  W  11 

rTpTTTV   S     T  PuriC 
I-IC111  V    O.  X_^CVV15 

Archibald  AT  Rrp-w^tpr 

4   VI  V_  i  1 J  UC11M      ill  i  J — i  1  v.  VV  Jlvl 

Tnmp<;  S    A  Toft 

JCllllCc}    \.J .  iMULL 

1  hpndorp  Rrn^h 

1  111-vJv^vJlVZ    -LJ  1  LI  o  11 

J.  1  dllClo    XJ.    V_/il  1  lo  ICdLl 

Tnhn  Rimrp 

IvJllll  XJL111V_V_ 

Rpn  lanun   S     h?  mvlann 
D CI  1 J  dl  1 1 1 1 1   O.    JLYU \V  ldllLl 

fcpap  Rrvnn 

loacn.    XJ  1  V  all 

Hmprv    H     T?  rvwl  o  nrl 
XV111C1  \     X  .     XViJW  ldllLl 

Melanoton  Rrvan 

[blither  Rowland 

Tnsiah   n     i  nnWIin 

J  ujiaii  1— /.    V^i^llivi ill 

F  hnhplpt    A  >nnmnrp 

l_y  lllJllcllCL     i\ .  VJClV-llllClC 

1    Pll'l?    I    ro  ff 
L(C  U  15  tall 

I  nrpii7n  ShsiflhriTt 

l^Ul  CuiU  OlldLlUvJlL 

lompc  rimer 

I  alllCo    JLVdl  llllii 

Tipvirl  stinmnrp 

lya  V  1U    vJcVUUillUl  c 

Walfpr  Tjarlincr 
vv  ctiici  xvciiiiiiti 

Albert  AT  Smith 

/  XX  UC  1  L    ^\  _L  .  vJllllLll 

\\  ashmp'ton  Darlincr 

VV  cl.   J  1111.    LW1 1      1  s  CI  1  Hilt 

Hpnrv  Smith 

Edmund  B.  Gardiner 

John  H.  Smith 

Piatt  L.  Gildersleeve 

Urban  Smith 

Wm.  Hamilton 

Cornelius  Suydam 

Adam  A.  Hartt 

Ebenezer  I.  V  elsor 

Joel  S.  Hartt 

Ji  hn  L.  Yelsor 

Orman  Wheeler 

Darling  B. 

Whitney 

The  membership  list,  the  degree  certificate  of  Past  Grand 
Henry  S.  Lewis  issued  Feb.  16,  1852  and  entitling  him  to 
membership  in  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  I.  O.  0.  F.  of 
Southern  New  York,  and  a  withdrawal  certificate  issued  to 
Past  Grand  Henry  S.  Lewis  Sept.  18,  1854  are  now  in  the 
possession  of  Northport  Lodge  No.  523  I.  O.  O.  F.  which 
was  instituted  February  19,  1885. 

It  seems  that  dues  and  assessments  became  heavier  than 
the  members  thought  they  could  stand  and  having  divided 
up  the  lodge  funds  which  was  directly  contrary  to  the  laws 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  that  body  in  Grand  Lodge  Session 


HIST<  >RY  OF  THIi  ORIGINAL 


June  7,  1855  declared  all  the  members  expelled  from  the 
order. 

The  following  beautiful  poem  was  published  in  the 
Suffolk  Democrat,  Huntington,  Friday,  April  26,  1850. 

Address  to  the  Members  of  Northport 
Lodge  No.  270  I.  O.  O.  F.  by  P>ro. 
Edmund  B.  Gardiner. 

Brothers!  the  time  has  come, 

The  door  is  closed,  the  word  is  passed 

The  opening  ode  is  sung. 

All,  all  are  here  me  thinks,  and  when 

Within  this  Lodge  I  last  did  meet  with  thee 

For  mutual  council,  and  assistance. 

Since  then,  the  widow  lone  ofttimes 

Upon  her  knees  has  thanked  us  in 

God's  name,  for  aid  and  sustenance. 

The  Orphan,  too,  has  felt  our  timely  care 

And  been  preserved,  from  vice  and  infamy. 

The  Sailor,  wrecked  in  distant  climes 

Perhaps  in  great  distress 

If  he  a  true  Odd  Fellow  there 

Has  found,  has  had  relief. 

Thousands  throughout  the  universal  world 

Have  been  recipients  of  our  kindly  aid 

When  needed  most. 

Humanity  to  man,  has  been  our  aim  ; 

Binding  together  all  who  joined  with  us 

In  the  marmonious  and  triple  chain 

Of  "Friendship,  Love  and  Truth." 

"Reason  is  man's  chief  attribute" 

Base  must  he  be  indeed  whose  soul 

Feels  no  vibrations  to  the  gentle  sounds 

Of  unity  and  peace. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  131 


"For,  should  the  Goddess,  Harmony  descend 

From  her  high  throne  where  she  attunes  the  spheres 

Would  her  celestial  music  aught  avail 

To  melt  his  rugged  and  unfeeling  heart." 

None  such  we  trust  has  ever  yet 

Ventured  within  these  walls. 

Brothers !  let  us  remember  well  our  charge, 

Our  duty  to  our  country,  and  our  God. 

And  may  we  cherish  with  our  hearts  sincere 

That  Fellowship,  which  like  a  charm  has  spread 

Its  influence  through  the  nations  of  our  earth. 

Leases  having  to  do  with  Eaton's  Neck  Beach. 

Trustees  Town  of  Huntington  to  Israel  Carll,  Feb.  7,  1854. 
Lease :-  "All  that  part  of  Eaton's  Neck  Beach  belonging 
to  the  Town  of  Huntington  for  the  purpose  of  selling  sand 
for  his  own  benefit.  To  have  and  to  hold  the  aforesaid 
part  of  Eaton's  Neck  Beach  belonging  to  the  Town  of 
Huntington  for  the  aforesaid  purpose  and  no  other  unto 
him  the  said  party  of  the  second  part,  his  heirs  executors, 
administrators  or  assigns  for  and  during  the  full  term  of 
six  years  from  the  date  of  these  presents." 

Rental,  eighty  dollars  yearly. 

Trustees  reserve  right  of  re-entry  in  event  of  non-pay- 
ment of  rent. 

Richard  M.  Conklin,  Pres. 

Witnessed  &  acknowledged 
Geo.  H.  Shepard,  witness. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  held  at  the  house  of  Francis 
Olmstead,  Northport,  on  November  19th,  1859. 

Resolved,  That  the  privilege  of  selling  sand  from 
Eaton's  Neck  Beach  be  sold  at  auction  for  the  term  of  five 
years,  and  that  payments  be  made  half  yearly  to  the  Pres- 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 


ident,  security  given  for  the  payment  if  required.  The 
purchaser  to  take  possession  on  the  seventh  of  February. 
i860. 

The  beach  was  sold  to  David  Carll  for  three  hundred 
dollars  per  year. 

Gilbert  Carll,  President. 
Recorded  by  Israel  Carll,  Clerk. 
Boats  ran  in  and  out  of  Northport  as  follows : 


1842 

"The  Sun"  and  "The  Flushing" 

1852 

"The  Croton" 

1855 

"The  George  Law" 

1856 

"The  Island  Belle" 

i860 

"The  Mayflower" 

1 865- 1 866 

"The  Pilot  Boy" 

1866 

"The  Matamro" 

1866 

D.  R.  Martin  which  lost  money  and  discon- 

tinued for  some  years. 

1888 

"The  Jessie  B" 

1889 

"The  Portchester" 

1890 

'The  Aeronaut" 

1890 

"The  Northport" 

The  following  school  report  was  rendered  by  Joseph  H. 
Ray,  Town  Superintendent  of  Schools,  May  14,  1850. 

Number  of  children  over  five  and  under  sixteen  years  of 
age  attending  District  School  No.  4 — Northport,  96. 
Amount  of  Teachers  wages  $62.10.  Account  Library  money 

$15  53. 

In  District  No.  27  Eaton's  Neck  it  was  reported  that  a 
district  school  had  not  been  kept  for  several  years.  Total 
wages  paid  for  teachers  in  entire  town  $1201.96. 


This  brings  us  down  to  1850  or  75  years  ago,  those  good 
old  days  when  there  were  no  drug  stores,  no  shoe  stores,  no 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HfUNTINGTON 


ice  cream  parlors,  no  clothing  stores,  no  beauty  shops,  no 
automobiles,  no  trolley,  no  movies  but  just  a  general  store 
that  was  supposed  to  keep  everything  from  paregoric  and 
paints,  to  dry  goods,  needles  and  ship  supplies. 

Beautifully  situated  among  the  foot  hills  of  Long  Island 
on  the  North  Shore,  Northport  75  years  ago,  was  about  the 
same  as  far  as  topography  is  concerned  as  it  is  today,  it 
merely  having  enlarged  and  expanded  as  it  grew  in  popula- 
tion. 

It  was  then  and  is  today  pierced  by  three  leading  streets, 
Main  Street,  Bayview  Avenue  and  Woodbine  Avenue. 

Main  Street  running  east  and  west  crosses  or  separates 
near  the  harbor,  Bayview  and  Woodbine  Avenues  which 
might  be  said  to  be  one  and  the  same  street,  merely  bearing 
different  names  from  their  intersection  with  Main  Street. 

Let  us  in  imagination  take  our  limousine  and  make  an 
afternoon  call  on  our  friends  and  neighbors  of  75  years  ago, 
going  through  the  sandy,  dusty  and  narrow  roads  to  the 
toot  of  Bayview  Avenue  and  taking  in  first  the  west  or 
harbor  side  of  the  Avenue. 

What  marvelous  changes  have  taken  place  here  since 
1850,  there  being  very  few  buildings  of  those  former  days 
for  us  to  gaze  upon  and  some  that  were  there  rebuilt  or 
remodeled. 

First  there  is  the  Selah  Bunce  residence  and  property, 
later  known  and  still  referred  to  as  the  James  property,  as 
beautiful  a  location  as  heart  could  desire. 

Directly  to  the  south  and  having  a  shore  frontage  as 
set  out  in  the  lease  heretofore  referred  to  of  495  feet  was 
the  shipyard  of  Moses  Hart. 

Here  among  other  vessels  were  built  the  schooner,  the 
"J-  M.  Kissam"  and  a  sea  going  vessel  the  "Wm.  L.  Coggs- 
well." 

Then  came  the  residence  of  Moses  Hart,  who  was  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


grandfather  of  Mrs.  Geo.  S.  Hendrickson.  It  was  in  this 
house  that  later  Capt.  H.  F.  Smith's  father  died. 

The  next  residence  to  the  south,  was  that  of  Capt.  Beebe. 
an  old  Sandy  Hook  pilot,  and  directly  south  of  that  the 
famous  Octagon  House  built  by  Capt.  James  Beebe  and 
which  is  still  there  today. 

Mr.  Zenas  Ivins,  a  ship  carpenter,  resided  in  the  next 
house  to  the  south  and  next  to  him  Mr.  George  Tillott,  who 
was  also  a  ship  carpenter  and  Foreman  Carll's  shipyard  for 
many  years. 

Then  came  the  residence  of  A.  M.  Brewster  at  the  foot 
of  Stanton  Street  and  just  about  where  the  Northport  Yacht 
Club  now  stands.  Directly  to  the  south  was  the  house  of 
Epenetus  Smith,  later  the  property  of  the  late  Sidney  F. 
Smith  and  the  next  residence  near  the  shipyard  was  that  of 
Bunce  Smith  who  kept  a  store.  Carll's  shipyard  must  have 
been  natural  shore  front  in  1850  as  they  did  not  start  their 
yard  until  1852. 

Standing  near  the  side-walk  in  Carll's  shipyard  is  the 
old  Joseph  C.  Lewis  house  where  Joseph  S.  Lewis  was  born 
and  presumably  his  son  the  late  Herbert  Lewis.  This  house 
has  been  estimated  as  being  150  years  old.  Prior  Hart's 
shipyard  joined  Carll's  shipyard  and  extended  as  far  south 
as  the  Northport  House. 

The  Northport  House  originally  an  old  store,  stood 
where  it  does  today,  with  a  mammoth  weeping  willow  tree 
in  front  of  it.  To  the  west  of  the  Northport  House  and 
south  of  Prior  Hart's  shipyard  was  the  old  Steamboat  Dock, 
where  it  is  today,  though  in  1850  in  much  better  condition. 

The  small  dwelling  house  now  in  the  rear  of  Roulston's 
store,  stood  on  the  steamboat  dock  in  1850  and  was  a  general 
store  conducted  by  Capt.  Jonas  Higby  and  Bunce  Smith. 
Main  Street  as  it  does  today  extended  down  to  the  water, 
and  in  later  years  a  small  barber  shop  stood  on  that  property. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


The  reader  will  observe  that  in  1850  there  were  the  fol- 
lowing houses  that  are  still  standing  today. 

The  Selah  Bunce  or  James  house,  the  Octagon  house, 
the  Joseph  C.  Lewis  house  in  the  shipyard  and  the  North- 
port  house. 


BAY  VIEW  EAST  SIDE 

There  were  no  residences  on  the  east  side  of  Bay  View 
Avenue  from  the  James  property  to  the  residence  of 
Nathaniel  Higby  about  opposite  the  Octagon  House.  The 
next  residence  was  that  of  Henry  Sammis,  father  of  Chas. 
T.  Sammis  and  where  Mrs.  Hattie  Kirby  now  lives. 

Jesse  Carll,  the  2nd,  lived  where  Jesse  3rd  and  4th  now 
reside,  and  David  Carll,  brother  of  Jesse  2nd  lived  where 
Mr.  Benjamin  Carll  now  resides. 

Erastus  Hart  a  ship-builder,  nephew  of  Moses  Hart  and 
son  of  Samuel  Prior  Hart  lived  where  Mrs.  Erastus  Hart 
now  resides. 

Then  came  the  mould  loft  for  Prior  Hart's  shipyard  and 
then  the  residence  of  Prior  Hart  where  Capt.  James  Ott  now 
resides. 

So  that  on  the  east  side  of  Bay  View  the  residences  there 
in  1850  and  still  occupied  as  residences  today  are  the  Sam- 
mis-Kirby  house,  the  Jesse  Carll  and  David  Carll  residences, 
Erastus  Hart  and  Prior  Hart-Ott  dwellings. 

WOODBINE  AVENUE— WEST  SIDE 

The  old  Sail  Loft  of  tender  memories  to  the  early 
fathers  was  about  opposite  the  Northport  House  and  where 
the  present  Post  Office  stands.  Alongside  the  "Creek"  and 
about  where  the  present  bakery  establishment  of  Fred  Blox- 
som  stands  was  the  blacksmith  shop  of  A.  M.  Brewster. 


136  1 1 1  STORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Mr.  Brewster  bought  his  iron  and  fashioned  it  into  horse 
shoes,  horse  shoe  nails,  braces,  wagon  tires,  etc. 

The  Creek  was  subject  to  the  ebb  and  flow  of  the  tides 
up  as  far  as  where  the  Episcopal  Church  now  stands,  and 
when  there  was  an  extra  full  tide  would  overflow  into  Main 
Street  up  as  far  as  where  Dr.  Donahue  now  resides,  while 
the  district  where  the  Rowley  building  now  stands  to  Scud1 
der  Avenue  would  be  one  big  swamp.  Between  the  sail  loft 
and  Brewster's  blacksmith  shop  was  Jesse  Jarvis's  shipyard. 
This  shipyard  contained  a  Mechanics  Bell,  which  kept 
mechanics  time,  which  was  then  10  hours  a  day.  It  rang  at 
7.00  A.  M.,  12:00  o'clock,  1:00  o'clock  and  6:00  o'clock 
and  could  easily  be  heard  as  far  as  Centerport. 

It  was  all  natural  shore  south  of  the  creek,  quite  flat  and 
not  a  building  on  it,  and  Capt.  Smith  has  dug  clams  where 
the  present  electric  light  plant  stands. 

There  were  no  houses  on  the  west  side  of  Woodbine 
Avenue  until  you  came  to  Uncle  Harvey's  Beach  where 
Harvey  Bishop,  Sr.  lived.  South  of  Harvey  Bishop's  was 
the  house  of  Frederick  Bunce.  Samuel  Bishop  resided 
where  the  Israel  Carll  house  now  stands.  There  were  no 
more  houses  from  that  of  Samuel  Bishop  to  Washington 
Street. 

On  the  corner  of  Woodbine  Avenue  and  Washington 
Street  there  was  a  small  Methodist  Church,  which  was  later 
moved  to  Centerport  and  can  be  seen  any  time  near  Wards 
Hotel  in  that  village.  A  Mr.  Jas.  Wood  lived  in  what  is 
now  the  home  of  Eugene  Sammis. 

The  old  Trough  Mill  at  the  turn  of  Washington  St.  was 
a  regular  grist  mill,  grinding  all  kinds  of  grain,  and  was 
supplied  with  power  from  water  from  the  pond,  near  the 
present  water  works  building,  which  ran  over  an  overshot 
wheel.  The  owner,  Lafayette  Chichester,  was  also  the 
builder  of  the  mill.    Then  came  the  Henry  Scudder  prop- 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


137 


erty,  the  same  house  still  standing  there  today,  though  pre- 
sumably remodeled  since  that  time. 

WOODBINE  AVENUE— EAST  SIDE 

The  building  now  occupied  by  Mahoney's  Drug  Store, 
corner  of  Main  Street  and  Woodbine  Avenue  was  then  a 
saloon  conducted  by  Nathaniel  Kelsey.  A  very  large  weep- 
ing willow  stood  in  front  of  this  store.  Next  south  of 
Kelsey's  was  the  wheelwright  shop  conducted  by  Chas.  S. 
Sanford.  The  next  building  was  where  Mr.  Sanford  lived 
and  where  he  ran  a  store  fof  many  years.  The  store  is  now 
a  restaurant,  "The  Northport  Rest." 

Then  came  the  residence  of  Lyman  Sammis,  the  house 
standing  up  on  top  of  the  hill,  about  opposite  the  Mitchell 
House.  Mr.  Sammis  followed  the  water  for  a  living.  The 
next  house  to  the  south  was  that  of  Richard  Scudder,  where 
the  residence  of  Mr.  George  Babcock  now  stands.  It  was 
in  the  Scudder  house  that  Capt.  Smith's  eldest  daughter, 
Mrs.  Lulu  Partridge  was  born.  The  Scudder  house  was 
moved  farther  up  on  5th  Avenue  and  is  now  occupied  as  a 
residence  by  John  Daniels.  Next  came  the  home  of  Jesse 
Jarvis  where  Dr.  L.  H.  Overton  now  resides. 

Then  the  Capt.  James  Mott  house,  where  Capt.  Jonas 
H.  Mott  now  lives. 

Then  the  Capt.  Jonas  Higby  residence. 

Then  the  Lyman  Beebe  residence,  since  torn  down. 

Then  the  Wm.  Hamilton  residence  where  Mr.  John 
Watson  now  resides. 

Then  the  Henry  Ketcham  house  where  Mr.  Ketcham 
recently  died. 

Then  the  David  Murray  residence  on  what  was  later 
known  as  the  Dumont  property.  Mr.  Murray  was  a  New 
York  business  man. 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIGINAL 


Then  came  the  residence  of  Epenetus  Conklin.  who  con- 
ducted a  (1  ravage  business. 

Then  came  the  old  Bonner  residence.  Mr.  Bonner, 
lather  of  Clinton  Bonner,  was  a  harness  maker.  This  house 
became  the  residence  of  the  elder  Lowndes  who  came  from 
Staten  Island  and  was  the  first  to  introduce  the  planting  and 
cultivation  of  oysters  here  about  1850.  He  hired  a  sloop 
called  the  Paragon  and  later  built  two  or  three  vessels,  one 
of  them  being  the  Cornelia  A.  Lowndes. 

There  were  four  of  the  Lowndes  brothers,  Wm.,  Charles, 
John  and  Theodore  and  it  is  reported  that  they  were  always 
full  of  fun  and  unlike  brothers  usually  are,  never  quarrelled 
among  themselves. 

John  Lowndes  was  the  father  of  the  late  Stanley  F. 
Lowndes. 

The  next  residence  was  that  of  Washington  Sills,  a 
i-hoeniaker  by  trade,  and  who  had  his  shop  in  his  house. 

Then  came  the  Nicholas  Dixon  residence.  Mr.  Dixon 
was  a  sailor  and  later  was  steward  for  Andrew  Ackerly. 
Mr.  Philip  Stark  now  resides  in  the  Dixon  house. 

Then  came  the  general  store  and  dwelling  of  Harry 
Ketcham,  corner  of  Woodbine  Avenue  and  Washington 
Streeet.  This  store  was  later  conducted  by  Capt.  Smith's 
father  and  the  Captain  assisted  as  clerk  in  the  store  for  a 
short  time. 

Across  the  street  from  this  store  there  was  a  gate  and 
roadway  leading  up  to  the  residence  of  Capt.  Selah  Bunce. 


MAIN  STREET— NORTH  SIDE 

Seventy-five  years  ago  there  was  a  frame  building  where 
the  brick  building,  now  occupied  by  Roulston's,  stands  and 
in  that  building  Jos.  S.  Lewis  conducted  a  general  store. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


139 


The  Post-office  was  located  in  this  store  and  Mr.  Lewis  was 
the  Postmaster. 

The  residence  of  Hughes  Conklin  stood  a  short  distance 
to  the  east  of  this  store. 

Then  came  the  tailor  shop  of  Samuel  Spafford  Brown. 

Directly  to  the  east  came  the  livery  stable  conducted  by 
George  Wheeler  and  later  by  Edw.  White,  now  a  garage  and 
auto  supply  store. 

The  next  building  was  the  residence  of  Francis  Olm- 
stead  recently  torn  down  to  make  way  for  the  beautiful 
building  of  the  Northport  Trust  Company.  Mr.  Olmstead 
was  Justice  of  the  Peace. 

The  next  residence  was  that  of  Samuel  Bryant  which 
still  stands  in  the  rear  of  the  electrical  shop  of  P.  O.  Carr. 

Next  came  the  Eliphalet  Skidmore  house  where  Mrs. 
Mary  Crozier  now  resides.  Capt.  Skidmore  ran  Coasters  as 
well  as  Sea  boats.  Used  to  operate  in  the  West  Indies  trade 
in  a  schooner  called  "The  Kate." 

The  Samuel  Bunce  property  where  the  library  now 
stands  was  next.  Mr.  Bunce  ran  a  lumber  yard  and  handled 
building  material  of  all  kinds.  He  resided  in  a  house  in  the 
rear,  part  way  up  the  hill  and  which  has  long  since  been 
torn  down. 

The  next  building  to  the  east  was  the  residence  of  N.  R. 
White  where  Mr.  David  Bryant  now  resides.  Samuel 
Spafford  Brown  resided  there  about  1842  to  1844  and  it  was 
there  his  eldest  daughter,  Mrs.  Helen  A.  Robbins  now  in 
her  82nd  year  was  born. 

Mr.  N.  R.  White  was  a  ship  carpenter  and  boss  of  the 
shipyard  of  Jesse  Jarvis. 

The  next  house  stood  directly  east  of  the  building  now 
occupied  by  Louis  Kass  as  an  auto  supply  store  and  was  the 
residence  of  Franklyn  Brown.  Within  the  past  few  years 
this  house  has  been  entirely  remodeled.    Mr.  Brown  was  a 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


tanner  and  owned  large  tracts  of  land  in  the  Crab  Meadow 

section. 

The  next  house  was  that  of  Richard  Gildersleeve  where 
Capt.  Henry  Frank  Smith  built  a  new  house  in  1890,  now 
owned  and  occupied  by  Dr.  Frank  Quackenbush. 

It  is  a  matter  of  interest  that  Capt.  Smith  made  the  first 
application  to  the  Northport  Water'  Works  Company  for 
the  installation  of  the  village  water. 

The  Samuel  Spafford  Brown  residence  was  directly 
east.  Mr.  Harris  Henschel  until  recently  occupied  this 
house.  Mr.  Brown  was  a  tailor  by  trade,  having  his  shop, 
as  previously  stated,  west  of  the  old  livery  stable. 

Then  came  Fred  Kellogg's  store  and  dwelling  about 
where  Mrs.  H.  G.  Simpson  now  resides.  Mr.  Kellogg  kept 
a  general  store  and  ran  a  peddler's  wagon,  disposing  of  his 
goods  in  that  manner. 

The  Methodist  Parsonage  was  next  and  just  where  it  is 
located  today. 

Capt.  David  Skidmore  lived  in  the  next  house,  being  that 
now  occupied  by  Vincent  Hart. 

Next  was  Capt.  James  Bishop,  corner  Main  and  Ocean 
Avenue.  This  house  has  since  been  entirely  remodeled. 
Across  Ocean  Avenue  was  the  old  house  of  Nathaniel  Bunce 
long  since  torn  down  and  nearby  to  the  eastward  Rutledge 
Pidgeon  has  erected  a  beautiful  residence. 

A  Mr.  King  occupied  what  was  later  known  as  the  Edw. 
A.  Matthias  residence  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Straub. 

Then  came  the  Bryant  Skidmore  residence.  Bryant 
Skidmore  was  father  of  Nathaniel  Skidmore.  This  house 
is  now  occupied  by  Miss  Clara  Borland. 

There  were  no  more  houses  until  the  large  double  house 
at  the  corner  of  Main  Street  and  Vernon  Valley  Road 
known  as  the  Jos.  Scudder  property. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  141 

Across  the  Vernon  Valley  road  to  the  east  was  the 
dwelling  house  of  John  Bryant,  who  was  a  farmer. 

SOUTH  SIDE— MAIN  STREET 

The  first  building  to  the  eastward  from  that  now  oc- 
cupied by  Mahoney's  Drug  Store  was  a  legal  office  but  de- 
tails regarding  it  are  now  lacking. 

Then  came  the  house  of  Harry  White,  a  tanner  by  trade 
This  house  stood  back  from  Main  Street  on  the  south  side 
of  the  pond  that  was  created  by  the  tide. 

Next  was  what  was  known  as  the  Aunt  Phoebe  Gilder- 
sleeve  house,  near  Andrew  Taylor's  present  residence,  but 
on  the  Main  Street  side,  and  well  back  from  the  street. 

Then  came  the  Andrew  Scudder  residence  which  stood 
in  back  of  the  present  Henry  Daniels'  house. 

Directly  to  the  eastward  was  the  residence  of  Capt. 
Septimus  Brown  where  the  Masonic  Temple  now  stands. 

Then  came  the  Bunce  Smith  house  which  stood  on  Main 
Street,  but  which  was  later  moved  back  in  Union  Place  and 
was  occupied  as  a  dwelling  for  years  by  the  late  Ernest 
Alexander. 

The  next  building  was  the  Melancthon  Bryan  house  now 
occupied  as  a  residence  and  office  by  Dr.  D.  C.  MacClymont. 
Mr.  Bryan  was  a  farmer  and  owned  about  half  of  the  Crab 
Meadow  section. 

Marcelle  Smith's  house  and  wheelwright  shop  stood 
about  where  the  village  hall  now  stands. 

There  were  no  more  buildings  until  Capt.  Joel  Hartt's 
house  in  which  Mr.  James  Cross  now  resides. 

The  M.  E.  Church  was  not  built  until  1852  and  com- 
pleted in  1853.  Directly  to  the  eastward  was  a  School 
House  which  later  was  burned.  It  stood  about  where 
Doctor  Dexter's  residence  now  stands. 


1 4J  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

Then  came  the  Jesse  Carll  property  now  owned  by  Mr. 
R.  W.  Hawkins.  This  was  Jesse  Carll  the  ist,  who  owned 
all  the  property  up  on  the  level,  had  numerous  barns  and 
outbuildings  and  kept  a  large  herd  of  cows. 

There  were  no  more  houses  on  the  south  side  of  Main 
Street  until  you  came  to  the  foot  of  Vernon  Valley  hill 
where  Dr.  Brown  resided.    This  house  still  stands  there. 

Right  across  the  street  to  the  south  was  the  site  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  the  district  at  that  time  being  known 
as  Red  Hook. 

To  the  eastward  and  directly  across  the  street  from  the 
Jos.  Scudder  double  house  was  the  Kelsey  house,  later  the 
David  Bryant  house. 

Across  the  Vernon  Valley  road  was  the  residence  of 
C.  V.  Scudder,  who  was  a  farmer. 

We  have  thus  listed  65  dwellings  on  these  three  principal 
street  as  being  here  in  1850  and  35  of  those  are  still  stand- 
ing, though  part  of  them  rebuilt  or  remodeled. 

There  were  in  1853  five  stores,  two  wheelwrights,  two 
churches,  two  blacksmith  shops  and  one  hotel,  but  no  doctors 
or  drug  stores.  Doctors  then  carried  their  medicine  with 
them. 

There  were  about  fifty  men  employed  in  the  four  ship 
yards  and  wages  did  not  exceed  $2.00  to  $2.50  per  day. 

There  were  two  Packets  running  here  and  farmers  sent 
all  their  produce  to  New  York  by  boat. 

In  1850  there  were  probably  from  15  to  20  vessels  of 
all  kinds  running  out  of  Northport. 


About  the  year  1845  tne  w^e  °f  Lawyer  Chas.  A.  Floyd 
gave  to  Capt.  Smith's  grandmother,  Mrs.  Frances  Cutting, 
some  ice-cream  she  had  made.  It  was  the  first  ice-cream 
the  Capt.,  then  about  ten  years  of  age,  had  ever  seen  and 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  143 

his  grandmother  thinking  it  too  cold  to  eat,  put  it  on  top 
of  the  stove  to  soften  it. 

At  the  town  meeting  held  in  the  Spring  of  the  year  the 
voters  of  the  Township  of  Huntington,  including  Hunting- 
ton, Northport  and  Commack,  had  to  go  to  Ezra  Smith's 
at  Long  Swamp  about  five  miles  west  of  Commack.  There 
was  a  race  course  on  his  property  and  several  of  those  in 
Commack  interested  in  horse  racing  would  gather  there 
Saturdays  during  the  summer  to  race  their  horses  and  on 
returning  to  Commack  there  was  a  toll  gate  about  where 
the  new  school  house  now  stands  and  kept  by  Samuel  Brown, 
father  of  Samuel  Spafford  Brown.  On  a  couple  of  occasions 
after  collecting  from  the  first  one  and  opening  the  gate  for 
him  to  pass  through,  the  others  would  dash  through  without 
paying  any  toll.  Thereafter,  however,  he  collected  all  the 
tolls  before  opening  the  gate. 


Late  in  the  month  of  January,  1869  Capt.  Smith  shipped 
with  Capt.  Benjamin  Tyler  of  Smithtown  in  the  schooner 
Anna  E.  Carll  of  400  tons,  built  in  Carll's  yard  in  1868 
and  bound  for  Lisbon,  Portugal.  She  carried  11,500  bushels 
of  wheat  and  5000  barrel  staves  and  made  the  trip  in  35 
days.  The  price  realized  for  the  wheat  was  at  35c  per 
bushel  in  gold. 

While  in  Lisbon  he  attended  a  bull  fight  which  was  a 
great  society  event  at  which  the  King  and  Queen  were  in 
attendance. 

On  the  return  trip  the  Anna  E.  Carll  was  loaded  with 
cork  and  salt.  When  about  four  days  out  from  Montauk 
encoutnered  a  very  severe  storm  which  broke  her  main 
boom  so  she  was  only  carrying  reef  sail,  and  sprang  a  leak 
in  the  after  hatch,  lower  hold,  necessitating  working  double 
break  pump  for  five  days. 

While  laboring  under  such  difficulties  she  met  the  dis- 
abled Liverpool  Packet,  the  "Harpswell" ;  loaded  with  mill 


144 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


stone  and  lead  and  in  high  seas  and  in  great  danger  rescued 
the  remaining  crew  of  13,  several  having  been  previously 

drowned. 

One  life  boat  manned  by  the  Harpsvvell  swung  around 
and  the  ship  came  down  on  her,  smashing  the  life  boat  to 
pieces.  There  were  two  carpenters  aboard,  one  was  saved, 
the  other  drowned.  Two  of  the  crew  managed  to  reach  the 
Carll  in  a  small  boat  that  was  also  smashed  and  the  other 
eleven  were  rescued  by  a  boat  from  the  Carll. 

This  return  trip  of  the  Carll  required  47  days,  there 
being  only  18  hours  of  fair  wind  on  the  entire  trip  and  she 
only  landed  150  bushels  of  salt  out  of  the  1800  bushels 
taken  aboard. 


The  following  is  as  complete  a  list  of  vessels  built  in 
Northport  as  is  obtainable. 


Wave  1853 — Schooner 

John  H.  Abeel     1862  —  Sloop,  became  the  Huntington 

Packet 
Eclipse     1863 — Schooner 
Fenella    1872 — Sloop 
Win.  H.  Middleton — Smack 
Nettie — Yacht 
Three  Sisters — Sloop 
David  Nelson — Schooner 

Built  many  others,  but  list  not  available. 


Yard  of  Samuel  Prior  Hart. 


Erastus  Hart,  son  of  Samuel  Prior  Hart. 


Helen  A.  Brown 

S.  S.  Brown 
Samuel  P.  Billar 
Cozy  No  1 


1866  Schooner 
1869  Schooner 
1873  Sloop 


j 897  Schooner 


TOW  X SHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


145 


Cozy  No.  2 

Schooner 

Edna  Chase 

IQOI 

St. 

Tosephine 

1894 

Sloop  vacht 

Mr  J 

Lena  S. 

1898 

St. 

Sarah  Lucinda 

1861 

Pell 

1873 

Sloop 

1 874 

St 

John  Roach 

Smack 

Jntime 

Propeller 

Pastime 

Propeller 

Ripple 

Side  wheel 

Tourist 

Side  wheel 

Yard  of 

American  Eagle 
George  Edwin 
Eva  H.  Lewis 
A.  J.  Miller 
Wm.  W.  Wood 
Lily  A.  Wilson 
Louis  Manette 
Emma  L.  Brush 


Edwin  Lefferts. 

1899  Schooner 

1871  St. 

1868  Schooner 
1878  Schooner 

1869  Schooner 

1873         "   Huntington  P. 

U 

Sloop 


Nokomis 

i860 

Eliza  Rogers 

i860 

Ids  Viola 

i860 

Harriet  E.  Lowndes 

1861 

Mary  Anna 

1865 

Stanley  Howard 

1865 

Elsie  May 

1864 

Phil  Sheridan 

1866 

Racer 

1868 

Yard  of  Jesse  Jarvis. 

Schooner  yacht 

CI 

Sloop 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Charlotte  J.  Kingsland 
Ella 

Lena  Becar 
Bride 

James  Kirby 
Contest 

Lizzie  E.  Woodend 
Louisa  H. 
vSneak 

Henry  J.  Scudder 
Flying  Fish 
Cornelia  Lowndes 
Cupid 
Edna  C. 


1868  Schooner 
1869 

1869  Sloop  Smithtown  P. 

1873 

18/5 
1882 

1883  St. 
1880 

1886  Sloop 


tt 


—  Schooner 

—  Sloop 

Hellgate  Pilot  Boat 


Jesse  Carll  and  Carll  Brothers. 


Tons 

George  Heiiry 

1854 

Sloop 

80 

Storm  Bird 

1856 

Bark 

650 

Storm  Claud 

1858 

Schooner 

280 

Joseph  E.  Nickerson 

1858 

tt 

35o 

Helen  Burten 

1859 

(( 

150 

Oravetta 

i860 

(( 

230 

Wm.  Mazeak 

i860 

<( 

140 

Lancetta 

1864 

a 

230 

Moses 

1865 

Brig 

600 

Goddess 

1865 

Schooner 

250 

Jesse  Carll 

1867 

tt 

300 

Anna  E.  Carll 

1868 

(t 

400 

Garland 

1868 

(( 

90 

Francis  E.  Halleck 

1869 

(t 

350 

Florence  Rogers 

1868 

Sloop 

250 

Ben 

1864 

Sloop 

80 

TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  147 


Osseo 

1870 

Brig. 

700 

Farmer 

1870 

Sloop 

/O 

Florence 

1871 

Schooner 

160 

Mary  &  Martha 

1872 

Sloop 

100 

Joseph  Rudd 

1873 

Schooner 

45° 

Sloop  for  S.  R.  Robbins 

1873 

Sloop 

75 

Carrie  L.  Tyler 

1874 

Bark 

75° 

Herbert  E. 

1874 

Schooner 

600 

Addie  Voorhes 

1875 

Sloop-yacht 

Clyo 

1875 

Schooner 

Ariel 

1875 

Annie  E.  Webb 

1876 

(( 

200 

Fredericka  Schepp 

1877 

Brig. 

400 

formerly  Emma 

Francis 

1878 

Schooner 

600 

Mary  A.  Greenwood 

1880 

Bark 

1200 

Fanny  Brown 

1881 

Schooner 

800 

Alley  R.  Chester 

1882- 

3  " 

800 

Lizzie  Godfrey 

1890 

150 

Ivanhoe 

1894 

-yacht 

Supervisor 

1906 

St. 

Jesse  Carll 

Pilot  Boat 

The  Jesse  Carll  built  in  1867  had  the  reputation  of 
being  the  fastest  sailing  boat  for  her  size  and  class  to  cross 
the  Atlantic  Ocean,  making  the  trip  from  Baltimore  through 
the  Straits  of  Gibraltar  to  a  French  port  in  14  days,  the 
sailing  record  up  to  that  time.  On  one  occasion  she  landed 
a  cargo  of  lemons  in  New  York  two  weeks  ahead  of  sche- 
dule. 


Alcyone  Lodge  No.  695  F.  &  A.  M.  was  instituted  in 
March,  1869.  None  of  the  Charter  Members  are  living, 
but  one  member,  Capt.  David  E.  Scudder,  joined  the  lodge 
April  9,  1869. 


i . I S  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Wor.  Wm.  H.  Sainniis  was  the  first  Master  for  1869, 
70  and  71  and  served  also  as  Master  in  1873,  1876  and  from 
1881  to  1886  and  again  in  1897. 

As  indisputable  evidence  that  Northport  is  included  in 
the  healthiest  zone  in  the  United  States  in  proportion  to 
population  a  list  is  given  of  persons  now  over  the  good  old 
Bible  age  of  three  score  years  and  ten  and  is  included  in 
the  closing  section  of  this  history. 


A  Note  For  Music  Lovers. 

When  Capt.  Henry  Frank  Smith's  grandmother,  Mary 
Collins  Cutting  was  married  in  1804,  ner  mother  shortly 
thereafter  presented  to  her  a  piano  given  her  when  she  was 
a  girl,  and  it  is  related  that  people  came  to  Commack  from 
miles  around  to  hear  her  play. 

It  may  perhaps  have  been  due  to  the  puritanical  teach- 
ings of  the  time,  but  at  any  rate  she  came  to  the  conclusion 
she  was  making  an  idol  of  this  piano  and  with  the  determi- 
nation characteristic  of  that  day  and  age  she  had  the  piano 
stored  away  in  the  attic  and  never  played  on  it  again  so 
far  as  known. 

When  she  died  in  1879  tms  piano  came  into  the  pos- 
session of  Capt.  Smith  and  is  now  in  the  home  of  his  daugh- 
ter, Mrs.  Charles  B.  Partridge.  It  is  believed  the  piano  is 
one  of  the  very  oldest,  if  not  the  oldest,  on  Long  Island. 
It  was  made  in  London,  England  but  bears  no  date.  Efforts 
have  been  made  to  trace  it  back  to  the  makers  but  without 
success.  It  would  look  as  if  it  probably  antedates  1760  any- 
way. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  149 


NORTHPORT  IN  1930. 


Northport  Harbor  is  unsurpassed  on  Long  Island  Sound 
on  or  the  Eastern  sea-board  for  that  matter  for  its  beauty, 
its  location,  its  capacity  and  depth  of  water  and  complete 
shelter  from  storms,  and  yet  how  little  do  we,  the  residents 
of  this  beautiful  village,  appreciate  or  enjoy  that  great 
quartet  of  virtues,  and  that  condition  exists  wholly  and 
solely  because  as  a  people  we  have  no  access  to  the  harbor 
so  that  its  marvelous  beauty  is  withheld  from  the  very  ones 
that  should  be  able  to  appreciate  it  and  enjoy  it  every  day 
of  their  lives,  and  if  we  permit  such  conditions  to  continue 
indefinitely,  it  is  not  only  probable  but  very  likely  will  be 
true  that  we  will  lose  practically  all  our  desire  and  taste  for, 
and  our  ability  to  appreciate  the  artistic  and  the  beautiful 
as  revealed  in  the  handiwork  of  nature. 

Wonderful  progress  has  been  made  in  the  last  few  years 
particularly  in  the  line  of  invention  and  discovery,  such  as 
the  wireless  and  the  radio,  and  yet  the  necessary  requisites 
have  been  in  the  air  since  the  foundation  of  the  world, 
merely  awaiting  man's  mastery  of  them  and  making  them 
subservient  to  his  will  and  so  in  the  beginning  nature  en- 
dowed Northport  with  matchless  beauty  and  charm  and 
scenery  unsurpassed  and  with  a  harbor  that  from  all  stand- 
points has  no  rival  on  the  eastern  coast,  but  the  early  settlers 
here  (and  all  praise  and  honor  to  them  for  their  prowess, 
their  discretion  and  their  ability  to  tell  a  good  thing  when 
they  saw  it,  or  at  least  a  goodly  place  in  which  to  live) 
were  compelled  by  force  of  circumstances  and  the  limitation 
imposed  upon  them  by  their  day  and  generation  to  largely 
earn  their  livelihood  from  or  on  the  water  and  hence  there 


I5o 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


sprang  up  along  the  harbor  shore  those  unsightly  buildings 
that  have  steadily  accumulated  through  the  years,  and  that 
have  converted  a  masterpiece  of  the  natural  world  into  an 
unsightly  picture  that  daily  meets  our  vision  and  is  an  eye 
sore  to  the  transient  or  the  sojourner  in  our  midst  and  a 
positive  detriment  to  the  prospective  home  seeker  that  would 
otherwise  gladly  become  one  of  us. 

The  harbor  is  still  with  us  in  all  its  pristine  and  prismatic 
beauty,  in  fact  the  west  shore  has  been  made  more  beautiful 
than  ever,  and  since  our  forefathers  have  handed  down  to 
us  as  a  priceless  heritage  all  the  latent  instincts  and  desires 
for  the  artistic  and  the  beautiful  and  the  noble  that  they 
had  not  the  time  or  the  finances  to  develop,  it  is  up  to  us, 
and  is  our  bounden  duty  to  ourselves  and  our  posterity  to 
not  only  restore  the  natural  beauty,  that  in  years  gone  by, 
even  the  native  American  Indian  never  defaced,  but  to  go 
a  great  way  beyond  nature  herself  and  make  the  east  side 
of  the  harbor  harmonize  with  the  present  day  conceptions 
of  charm  and  allurement,  and  at  the  same  time  make  it 
serve  as  a  great  benefactor  of  the  public  weal,  and  constitute 
one  of  the  great  attractions  that  should  induce  the  motorist 
and  the  tourist  to  visit  the  great  Sunrise  County  of  the 
Empire  State,  for  without  the  least  bit  of  exaggeration  of 
any  kind,  one  could  not  find  a  more  delightful  ride  from 
the  moment  he  enters  Huntington  and  leaves  by  way  of  the 
historic  old  cemetery  and  the  beautiful  Town  Hall,  past 
that  lovely  and  enchanting  spot,  Heckscher  Park,  that 
historic  edifice  of  Revolutionary  days,  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church,  the  noble  and  imposing  school  house 
across  the  way,  and  then  on  over  a  concrete  roadway 
pursues  his  way  up  hill  and  down  dale,  with  its  shady 
nooks,  its  irregular  but  attractive  contour,  its  miniature 
mountains  and  deep  ravines,  its  lagoons  and  picturesque 
and  inviting  looking  homes  and  then  Centerport  Harbor 


T0WXSH1P  OF  HjUNTINGTON 


bursts  upon  his  enraptured  view,  a  picture  so  common  to 
some  of  us  it  has  lost  much  of  its  charm,  but  I  doubt  not 
that  those  that  behold  that  vision  of  loveliness  for  the  first 
time,  carry  the  impression  upon  their  memory  for  years 
afterward  and  if  our  sister  village  of  Centerport  would  only 
rise  to  the  occasion  and  move  the  fire  hall  and  the  hotel 
either  on  the  east  or  west  side  of  the  harbor  and  then  do 
a  little  dredging  so  there  would  be  water  there  even  at  low 
tide  it  would  immeasurably  enhance  the  beauty  and  attrac- 
tiveness of  Centerport. 

It  is  truly  a  beautiful  spot  now,  but  those  alterations 
could  be  easily  made  and  probably  at  a  nominal  cost. 

Continuing  eastward  as  you  round  the  turn  near  the 
Scudder  property,  the  magnificent  view  presented  is  one 
never  to  be  forgotten  and  for  beauty  and  setting  and  out- 
line and  charm  is  probably  not  excelled  anywhere  on  earth. 
Truly  here  is  one  of  nature's  masterpieces  right  at  our 
very  door  and  the  view  presented  is  one  worth  traveling 
many  miles  to  behold. 

From  that  point  into  Northport  Village  the  beautiful 
scenery  is  obscured  except  for  a  very  short  distance  on 
Woodbine  Avenue  and  that  street  is  so  narrow  that  motor- 
ists cannot  stop  their  cars  and  behold  the  natural  beauty 
that  can  still  be  seen  despite  the  barriers  erected  by  the  age 
of  commercialism  that  has  existed  in  former  years  and  is 
still  with  us  today. 

I  know  there  are  a  lot  of  people  that  think  because  cer- 
tain things  were  apparently  good  enough  for  our  forefathers 
that  we  should  likewise  therewith  be  content,  and  I  am  free 
to  admit  that  living  in  the  past  or  living  over  the  past  may 
be  pleasant  contemplation,  and  will  revive  many  cherished 
memories  and  recollections,  but  we  should  not  forget  that 
we  are  living  in  the  ever  present,  pulsating  now  and  that 
we  must  face  present  day  duties  and  responsibilities  in  such 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


a  way  as  to  build  tor  the  future  from  the  standpoint  of 
morality,  usefulness  and  helpfulness  as  well  as  from  the 
standpoint  of  beauty  and  spirituality  and  we  must  not 
therefore  let  the  marvelous  American  spirit  of  commercial- 
ism stunt  or  destroy  our  finer  sensibilities  and  attributes  and 
love  and  regard  for  the  things  that  are  ennobling,  uplifting 
and  beautiful  and  that  tend  to  elevate  the  race  in  general 
and  to  raise  the  standard  of  our  thoughts,  motives  and 
ideals  to  higher  planes  than  we  have  ever  occupied  before. 

If  we  will  each  and  every  one  sign  the  petitions  for  a 
new  depot  and  for  electrifying  the  North  Shore  Road  to 
Xorthport  and  the  same  is  granted  there  will  be  a  bigger 
boom  and  a  more  substantial  one  than  Florida  has  had  in 
the  last  year  or  so,  and  if  the  Long  Island  R.  R.  don't 
awaken  to  its  opportunity  and  responsibility  let  us  arrange 
to  install  bus  service  to  the  city  to  compete  with  the  rail- 
road and  at  less  cost  and  the  railroad  will  be  compelled  to 
electrify  or  go  out  of  business. 

W  ith  a  newr  depot  we  would  have  an  ideal  approach  to 
our  village  whether  you  come  from  Kings  Park,  Commack, 
Huntington,  Asharoken  Beach  or  by  boat  on  Long  Island 
Sound. 

We  have  already  expended  thousands  upon  thousands  on 
our  roads  and  school  house  and  I  would  vote  to  concrete 
every  lane  and  street  in  the  incorporated  village  and  gladly 
pay  the  increase  in  taxes  resulting  therefrom  without  a 
murmur,  and  yet  at  the  same  time  concrete  roads,  render  it 
so  easy  for  our  people  to  go  away  from  Northport  and 
go  to  places  where  they  can  see  and  be  near  the  water,  so 
that  it  is  up  to  us  to  build  the  park  referred  to  in  the  poem 
that  closes  this  history  and  by  so  doing  make  Northport 
such  an  attractive  place  and  so  accessible  to  all  our  people, 
and  at  the  same  time  more  beautiful  than  any  other  village 
on  Long  Island,  that  it  will  hold  their  affection  and  admir- 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


ation  and  build  up  in  them  a  genuine  desire  to  think  for, 
act  for  and  live  for  the  betterment  of  Northport. 

What  a  beautiful  and  magnificent  park  can  be  built  along 
the  harbor  shore  with  a  large,  artistic  and  beautiful  open  air 
theatre  in  front  of  the  Carll  and  Alexander  homes  and  at  a 
moderate  cost.  This  theatre  could  surround  a  large  lagoon 
or  lake  and  here  the  band  could  render  concerts  two  or  three 
times  a  week,  the  community  chorus  could  hold  their  re- 
hearsals and  render  their  concerts  and  the  theatrical  talent 
that  unquestionably  now  slumbers  in  some  of  our  younger 
people,  yes,  and  older  ones  too  for  that  matter,  could  find 
expression  occasionally  in  staging  a  first  class  play. 

But  over  and  above  and  beyond  all,  if  we  will  all  get  in 
behind  this  boulevard  as  outlined  in  the  poem  and  make  it 
a  reality,  Northport  will  become  the  best  known  town  in  the 
world  and  a  celebrated  summer  and  winter  resort,  for  where 
in  the  world  can  the  motorist  find  such  unrivalled  scenery 
winter  or  summer  as  he  can  behold  by  taking  a  ride  on 
this  superb  and  matchless  concourse. 

Of  course  you  can't  have  such  vast  projects  carried 
through  without  a  lot  of  money,  but  it  would  all  come  back 
and  pay  immense  dividends  besides  and  we  ought  to  adopt 
a  slogan  such  as  Chicago  did,  namely: — "Make  no  little 
plans,  for  they  have  no  magic  to  stir  men's  blood,"  and 
under  that  slogan  Chicago  raised  three  billions  for  civic 
betterment. 

The  future  of  Northport  will  be  exactly  what  we,  the 
present  citizens,  and  our  children  of  tomorrow,  make  it, 
and  if  we  do  absolutely  nothing  to  create  a  strong  desire 
and  taste  on  their  part  for  a  beautiful  Northport,  why  should 
we  expect  our  children  to  spend  their  lives  here  or  devote 
their  talents  and  energies  toward  beautifying  the  village, 
when  they  fully  realize  their  parents  displayed  no  talent  or 
energy  along  that  line. 


'54 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


We  must  either  advance  or  retrograde,  beat  against  and 
overcome  the  tides  of  contrary  public  opinion  or  be  carried 
by  those  tides  into  the  great  beyond,  realizing  that  as  mem- 
bers of  this  community  we  have  failed  to  live  up  to  the 
magnificent  heritage  of  one  of  the  most  beautiful  spots  on 
earth,  the  great  Creator  has  placed  at  our  disposal  to  enrich, 
to  enlarge,  to  beautify  and  to  enjoy,  and  in  so  doing  to 
praise  and  honor  Him  through  our  descendants  as  long  as 
the  earth  stands. 

Arise  Northport  and  proceed  to  garb  yourself  in  match- 
less splendor  that  shall  crown  you  queen  of  all  the  villages 
on  this  terrestial  sphere. 

Let  every  citizen  living  in  Northport,  East  Northport, 
Commack,  Ft.  Salonga  and  Asharoken  Beach  sign  the  peti- 
tion for  the  new  depot  at  East  Northport  and  at  the  same 
time  sign  the  petition  for  the  electrification  of  the  North 
Shore  Road.  One  person  can  sign  the  names  of  his  entire 
family  provided  of  course  they  are  in  favor  of  these  great 
improvements.  The  petitions  for  electrifying  the  railroad 
will  be  presented  to  the  executive  officers  of  the  Long  Island 
Railroad  Company  by  Supervisor  Field.  The  petitions  for 
a  new  depot  by  the  Northport  Civic  Association  or  our  new 
Board  of  Trade. 

Here  is  an  opportunity  for  you  to  exert  your  influence  in 
bringing  to  pass  great  civic  improvements  and  it  won't  cost 
you  a  cent. 

The  only  requirement  is  that  you  register  your  name  or 
names  promptly  so  that  the  lists  can  be  handed  in  without 

delay. 


I  am  aware  of  the  fact  that  the  Brooklyn  Eagle  in  its 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  155 


issue  of  April  19th,  1926  stated  that  the  erection  of  a  new 
depot  at  Northport  is  included  in  the  1926  building  program 
of  the  Long  Island  Railroad  Company,  but  at  the  same  time 
I  am  also  aware  of  the  fact  that  a  very  prominent  man  in 
this  community,  now  deceased,  but  whose  integrity  and 
truthfulness  were  universally  recognized,  told  me  that  he 
had  been  assured  by  a  high  official  (and  mentioned  the  name 
and  office  held  by  that  official)  of  the  Long  Island  that  just 
as  soon  as  the  construction  crew  had  finished  the  two  new 
depots  at  Mineola  they  were  going  to  begin  the  East  North- 
port  depot,  so  no  harm  can  be  done  by  assuring  the  road 
that  we  must  in  the  name  of  justice  have  the  depot  this  year 
without  fail,  as  it  seems  plans  have  been  in  readiness  for 
more  than  two  years,  but  no  signs  of  the  depot  at  the  present 
writing. 


Author's  Note :  It  was  stated  in  the  beginning  of  this 
history  that  a  list  would  be  compiled  of  all  those  in  the 
Township  of  Huntington  who  were  70  years  of  age  or  over, 
in  order  to  substantiate  the  claim  that  the  territory  from 
Horton's  Point  to  Sands'  Point  is  the  healthiest  section  in 
the  United  States. 

Every  opportunity  was  given  and  every  effort  made  to 
obtain  a  complete  list,  but  the  response  was  so  feeble  outside 
of  Northport  that  it  seems  wise  to  omit  the  list  entirely. 

Evidently  the  shyness  and  natural  antipathy  of  maidens 
who  are  edging  along  toward  thirty  to  reveal  their  age, 
seems  to  be  inculcated  in  even  more  marked  degree  in  both 
sexes  after  reaching  70,  though  one  would  naturally  sup- 
pose they  would  be  proud  and  glad  to  make  known  the  fact 
they  had  exceeded  the  time  honored  age  alloted  to  man. 

As  this  history  comes  off  the  press  it  seems  pretty  cer- 
tain we  will  have  the  new  depot  at  East  Northport  within 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

the  next  tew  months  and  so  petitions  will  not  he  circulated 
for  that  purpose. 


HKAUTIFUL  NORTH  PORT 
(Of  the  immediate  future) 


With  apologies  to  Nobody. 
-  I  - 

Oftentimes  one's  thoughts  seem  to  mingle, 

Mine,  now  find  expression  in  this  jingle, 

And  the  statements,  I  trust,  none  will  doubt, 

For  this  is  the  way,  it  seems,  they  came  about. 

Just  one  evening  only,  I  was  out  very  late, 

Returning,  strolled  through  my  gateless  gate, 

Up  the  steps  and  then  into  the  house, 

With  nary  a  thought,  being  sly  as  a  mouse, 

And  about  4  :oo  A.  M.  sought  my  downy  pillow, 

But  soon  seemed  afloat  on  the  bounding  billow. 

You  may  say  it  was  what  I  had  eaten  or  drank, 

And  possibly  it  is  both  I  shall  have  to  thank 

For  the  beautiful  dream,  that  o'er  me  wove  its  spell 

And  which  to  you  now,  I  shall  endeavor  to  tell. 

1  know  not  just  how  or  whence  it  began, 

But  apparently  this  is  the  way  it  ran. 

-  2  - 

In  this,  my  dream,  I  seemed  to  have  a  dear  friend, 
Who,  for  things  beautiful,  has  a  decided  trend, 
And  wrho  always  wears  a  most  genial  smile, 
As  he  continually  searches  for  things  worth  while; 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  157 


And  the  first  searching  question  he  asked  of  me 
Was,  "Has  Northport  anything  worth  going  to  see? 
Any  particular  thing  that  would  impress  the  mind, 
Or  perhaps  may  be  the  only  one  of  its  kind, 
Some  graceful  or  beautiful  or  outstanding  feature 
So  created  or  built,  as  to  please  every  creature  ?" 
Having  couched  his  questions  in  language  so  beautiful, 
Like  any  one  would,  I  certainly  felt  most  dutiful 
To  answer,  and  quick  as  a  flash  made  reply, 
"Yes  sir,  Northport  Harbor  all  other  harbors  defy, 
As  a  haven  of  safety,  on  the  entire  eastern  coast, 
And  it  ever  has  been,  and  still  is,  our  pride  and  boast." 

-3- 

My  friend  replied,  "You  are,  no  doubt,  quite  right. 

But  how  and  when  can  we  view  this  great  sight  ? 

Is  it  one  enjoyed  only  by  the  privileged  classes, 

Or  easily  accessible  to  all  of  the  masses? 

I  certainly  hope  and  trust  it  is  not  a  monstrosity, 

For  your  statements  have  excited  my  utmost  curiosity, 

And  I  am  anxiously  waiting  to  accompany  you  down 

To  view  this  superlative  virtue  of  Northport  Town." 

It  was  now  well  along  toward  the  close  of  day, 

So  I  hailed  a  taxi  and  we  whisked  away; 

For  I  knew  too  well  the  scene  his  eyes  would  greet, 

If  we  went,  first  of  all,  to  the  foot  of  Main  Street. 

To  the  chauffeur,  accustomed  to  handling  auto  rudders, 

I  merely  whispered,  "Via  Greenlawn  to  Lawyer  Scudder's." 

For,  I  remember  as  well  as  if  it  were  but  yesterday 

The  first  time  I  had  the  privilege  of  coming  that  way. 

-4- 

We  finally  arrived,  you  know  chauffeurs  sometimes  will, 
And  I  had  him  stop  the  car  at  the  top  of  the  hill. 


HISTORY  OF  THK  ORIG1XAL 


We  clambered  out,  the  day  was  cloudless  and  bright; 
Our  eyes  at  once  beheld  a  most  wondrous  sight, 
For,  before  us  and  extending  far  in  the  distance  lay 
That  vision  of  extreme  loveliness,  Xorthport  Bay; 
And,  for  many  moments,  we  both  stood  enraptured, 
I  realizing  well  his  heart  we  had  captured. 
The  tide  was  high,  the  bay  looked  like  a  mighty  river 
Adorned  and  beautified  by  its  sheen  of  silver, 
While,  through  the  emerald  green  on  every  side 
The  sunset  shades  and  shadows  tried  to  hide, 
Making  thereby  every  conceivable  color  mixture, 
Ariel,  at  the  same  time,  a  never  to  be  forgotten  picture. 
As  my  friend  exclaimed.  "I  must  indeed  be  fair 
And  admit  this  is  truly  a  scene  most  rare." 

-5- 

Assuredly  this  was,  "The  end  of  a  perfect  day," 
As  we  gazed  in  rapture,  o'er  Northport  Bay, 
\Yhen  my  friend  remarked,  "You  may  think  it  strange, 
But  I  must  inspect  this  beauty  at  closer  range 
And  see  if  the  residents  are  doing  all  they  can 
To  make  this  lovely  harbor  a  blessing  to  man; 
For  Xorthport  people  should  feel  highly  elated, 
Because  of  the  wondrous  beauty  for  them  created, 
And  their  elation  be  manifested  in  a  permanent  way, 
That  will  surely  continue  till  the  judgment  day." 
W'e  had  now  arrived  at  a  point  in  the  conversation 
Where  I  personally  felt  not  a  little  consternation, 
And  was  thinking  of  numerous  schemes  I  might  try 
To  avoid  that  personal  inspection,  with  his  critical  eye; 
So  I  finally  suggested,  as  it  was  getting  quite  late, 
That  we  wait  until  to-morrow  our  inspection  to  make. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


159 


-6- 

I  knew  on  the  morrow  some  things  he  would  find 
Might  have  a  direct  influence  in  changing  his  mind. 
So  I  wanted  this  view,  like  the  billows  that  roll, 
To  be  indelibly  and  forever  impressed  on  his  soul; 
And,  no  matter  what  the  conditions  to  which  he  might  refer, 
This  vision  of  loveliness  ever  to  his  mind  would  recur, 
So  that  in  his  daily  life,  be  it  sleeping,  riding  or  walking, 
Northport  Bay  to  his  artistic  nature  would  forever  be 
talking. 

After  one  long  farewell  look,  we  did  then  mutually  agree 
To  continue  our  inspection  journey  at  half  past  three 
Of  the  following  day,  and  we  then  again  entered  the  car 
To  ride  to  the  R.  R.  station  which,  of  course,  was  quite  far, 
And  to  take  one  to  such  a  shanty  is  indeed  a  great  pity, 
Particularly  as  my  friend  was  staying  at  Atlantic  City, 
Which  boasts  of  doing  almost  anything  while  you  wait, 
And  in  all  things  modern  is  right  up  to  date. 

-7- 

I  cannot  forget  his  remark  made  while  we  had  to  wait, 

(For,  like  many  railroad  trains,  this  one  was  late). 

"During  my  life-time  I  have  traveled  in  many  a  nation, 

But  I  must  confess  that  this  is  the  poorest  station 

Of  any  that  I  have  seen,  either  East  or  West, 

Whereas,  it  would  seem,  you  are  entitled  to  the  best; 

And  to  an  outsider  like  me  it  seems  extremely  funny 

That  the  Long  Island  Railroad  would  take  all  your  money 

These  many,  many  years,  without  expending  a  cent 

Of  your  thousands  of  dollars  they  have  otherwise  spent, 

And,  if  at  last,  for  their  tardiness  they  do  atone, 

For  beauty  and  completeness  may  it  stand  forth  alone. 

And,  instead  of  repelling,  like  this  one,  of  course, 

May  it  be,  in  reality,  an  irresistible  force 


i6o  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

Showing  city  people  that  they  need  no  farther  roam 
When  they  are  looking  for  a  place  to  build  them  a  home." 

-8- 

My  repose  that  night  seemed  frequently  disturbed. 

For  you  can  imagine  my  thoughts  were  somewhat  perturbed. 

And,  if  I  sank  into  slumber  and  had  any  dreams, 

They  seemed  to  be  inoculated  with  all  kinds  of  schemes, 

As,  how  best  to  avert  those  cunning,  satirical  glances 

And  those  biting  witticisms  that  cut  like  lances; 

But,  finally,  wisely  decided  I  would  do  my  best 

To  shield  our  lovely  harbor  when  it  came  to  the  test. 

So,  after  hours  of  dozing  and  sleeping  and  tossing  about, 

i  awoke  in  the  morning  still  confused  and  in  doubt. 

It  makes  no  difference  whatever  how  much  you  contrive, 

The  hour  set  for  an  engagement  is  bound  to  arrive. 

So,  to  the  station  again  in  the  taxi  I  hurried, 

Tho  somehow  felt  that  I  looked  considerably  worried, 

Rut,  my  friend  was  so  genial  and  smiling  and  kind, 

That  my  worries,  like  a  mist,  seemed  to  fade  from  my  mind. 

-9- 

On  the  way  down  I  thought  it  would  be  quite  well 
That  a  few  casual  statements  to  him  I  should  tell, 
So  I  said,  "Our  harbor  has  three  direct  ways  of  approach. 
For  on  private  property,  of  course,  we  dare  not  encroach. 
The  first  is  by  boat,  as  you  come  in  from  the  Sound, 
And  the  sight  is  magnificent  as  you  gaze  all  around. 
The  second  method  is  very  trying,  at  first,  on  the  brain, 
For  you  descend,  very  rapidly,  in  a  passenger  hydro-plane. 
While  the  third  is  the  one  that  we  have  elected  to  take, 
And  our  way  to  the  foot  of  Main  Street  we  now  have  to 
make. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUXTIXGTOX  161 


From  there  we  descend  a  flight  of  steps  to  a  float, 

Then  our  journey  continue  by  using  a  boat, 

Until  we  think  we  are  about  the  right  distance  from  land, 

When  the  scene,  I  am  sure,  you  will  pronounce  very  grand." 

But  just  then  the  taxi  pulled  up  at  the  walk 

And  getting  out,  of  course,  interrupted  our  talk. 

-  10  - 

My  friend  said,  ''The  sight,  from  here,  is  not  very  grand, 
Unless  you  peer  from  the  top  of  this  shaky  band  stand. 
And,  you  can't  see  a  blessed  thing  down  the  bay 
For  a  thousand  and  one  things  stand  in  your  way." 
Truth,  though  stranger  than  fiction,  cannot  be  denied, 
So,  taking  exception  to  his  statements  I  never  even  tried, 
For  had  I  done  so,  the  things  he  saw  at  a  glance 
He  would  start  enumerating,  if  given  half  a  chance, 
And,  while  he  was  just  as  genial  and  ever  so  kind, 
Those  thousand  and  one  things  would  all  come  to  his  mind, 
And  statements  he  could  make  in  such  a  convincing  way 
Would  unquestionably  consume  the  balance  of  the  day. 
So,  like  the  owl  on  the  oak,  who  was  a  wise  old  bird, 
I  listened  to  his  statements  but  said  never  a  word. 
For  dealing  with  experts,  if  you've  nothing  worth  while  to 
say 

Then  you  better  postpone  saying  it  until  some  other  day. 

-  1 1  - 

1  started  for  the  float,  but  my  friend  said,  "Stay! 

Don't  be  in  such  a  hurry  to  hasten  away, 

I  want  to  take  time  to  look  all  around 

And  thoroughly  inspect  every  inch  of  ground 

Between  the  lighting  plant  and  Seymour's  dwelling, 

For,  then  I  will  know  the  statements  I  am  telling 


162 


HIST(  >RY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


Are  the  facts  only,  and  to  be  implicitly  believed. 
And,  by  the  truth,  no  one  can  feel  aggrieved. 
So  let  us  walk  down  first  to  Seymour's  place. 
Then  back  this  way  onr  footsteps  trace; 
And  each  of  ns  will  try  to  carry  in  mind 
The  assortment  of  things  we'll  surely  find; 
For  I  am  convinced,  while  we  are  standing  here, 
That  this  harbor  shore,  which  you  hold  so  dear, 
Has,  in  the  course  of  time,  been  clogged  with  junk 
Until,  at  the  present  writing,  it  looks  quite  punk. 

-  12  - 

"It  certainly  seems  like  a  downright  shame, 

Yet  a  condition  for  which  no  one  person  is  to  blame; 

Each  year  has  added  constantly  to  the  mixture 

And,  apparently,  each  contribution  became  a  fixture ; 

Adding,  day  by  day,  seemed  a  part  of  the  play 

And  against  the  rules  to  carry  anything  away. 

So,  each  one  making  his  contribution,  in  imagination, 

No  doubt,  thought  he  was  adding  to  the  decoration, 

And  that  on  the  harbor  shore  he  had  made  his  mark, 

Though  not  especially  suitable,  for  a  public  park. 

So  contributions  became  fixtures  and  grew  and  grew, 

Soon  completely  shutting  out  the  harbor  view 

Until,  without  the  least  bit  of  exaggeration, 

It  seems  you  have  the  greatest  conglomeration 

Of  all  things  under  the  sun,  great  or  small, 

That  can  be  found  anywhere  on  this  terrestial  ball." 

-  13- 

We  turned  around  and  to  the  eastward  faced, 
And  toward  Bay  View  Avenue,  our  footsteps  traced. 
The  Avenue  you  know  has  a  nice  concrete  walk, 
So  that  as  you  travel  thereon,  you  can  freely  talk. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  163 


Down  that  narrow  but  beautiful  street  we  strolled 
While  numberless  autos  o'er  the  concrete  rolled. 
The  ship  yard  is  marked  by  a  six  foot  fence  of  wire, 
That  be  it  intentional,  or  not,  your  eyes  will  tire, 
As  you  try  to  catch  even  a  glimpse  of  the  bay, 
When  with  visiting  friends  you  journey  that  way, 
And  o'er  part  of  this  fence  in  very  graceful  lines, 
Are  the  Ivy  green  and  other  well  known  vines, 
That  seem  to  ever  whisper  to  those  not  dense, 
We  are  trying  to  hide  this  unsightly  old  fence. 
So  here's  to  the  vines,  and  as  gentle  breezes  blow, 
May  they  in  their  beauty,  thicker  and  greener  grow. 

-  14- 

I  said  to  my  friend,  in  a  casual  sort  of  way, 

"In  Eighteen  Hundred  Fifty-three  or  about  that  day 

When  real  shipbuilding  was  indeed  a  master's  art, 

And  machines  played  a  very  unimportant  part, 

Then  from  Maine's  rock  bound  coast  to  fair  Key  West, 

The  boats  turned  out  here  were  accounted  the  best, 

That  could  be  found  anywhere  on  the  eastern  coast, 

And  this  yard  was  then  Northport's  pride  and  boast; 

For  the  high  quality  of  product  that  was  turned  out  here, 

Brought  prospective  customers  from  far  and  near, 

And  old  timers  testify,  it  was  a  real  enjoyment, 

If  in  Carll's  shipyard  you  could  find  employment." 

But  the  best  equipped  business  can't  always  last, 

And  now  that  sloops  and  schooners  are  things  of  the  past. 

Let  us  cherish  this  old  yard  with  great  veneration, 

Beautifying  it  in  a  park  for  the  present  generation. 

-15- 

Across  the  North  end  of  the  yard  the  sheds  still  stand 
In  which  there  was  moulded,  many  a  vessel  grand. 


1  ()4 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


These  sheds  were  built  not  later  than  fifty  live, 

And  there's  only  one  man  I  believe  still  alive 

That  really  remembers  when  they  were  erected. 

Tho'  on  the  screen  of  vision  they  are  still  projected. 

And  while  they  still  serve  as  an  ancient  land-mark 

Let  us  make  there  an  entrance  to  our  public  park. 

As  one  stands  at  the  sheds  and  southward  gazes, 

The  scene  presented  is  one  of  varying  phases; 

For  one  sees  at  a  glance,  boards,  planks,  trucks  and  spars, 

Row-boats,  dilapidated  ways  and  twisted  bars; 

While  in  the  center  of  the  picture,  and  of  massive  bulk 

That  looks  like  the  Ark,  is  an  old  derelict  hulk. 

Which  is  not  only  unsightly,  but  lacks  both  beauty  and  grace, 

But  it  seems  to  have  found  here  a  final  resting  place. 

-  16- 

The  soil  here,  it  appears,  all  indigenous  plants  will  nourish, 
So  that  weeds,  orchard  grass  and  the- beautiful  ailanthus 
flourish 

In  great  profusion,  till  the  axman  makes  his  annual  call, 
When  they  are  allowed  to  remain  just  as  they  happen  to  fall, 
In  order  they  may  be  added  to  the  yearly  collection, 
Which  the  high  wire  fence  affords  a  sure  protection. 
Next'  to  the  side-walk  is  a  house  that  is  exceedingly  old, 
Xot  less  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  years,  I  am  told, 
And  because  it  seems  to  be  a  relic  of  an  ancient  day, 
We  must  await  its  final  dissolution  like  "The  One  Hoss 
Shay." 

On  your  right  is  what  may  be  termed  an  ancient  dock, 
That,  as  you  tread  upon,  some  of  the  planks  will  rock; 
While  to  the  piles,  sea  moss  in  beautiful  waving  festoons 
Millions  of  tiny  barnacles  in  its  meshes  maroons, 
And  if  ever  a  hulk  is  once  hauled  out  on  the  ways, 
It  is  perfectly  safe  to  assume,  there  forever  it  stays. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  165 


-  17- 

Continuing  our  southward  trip  o'er  hill  and  vale 
Must  necessarily  mean,  prolonging  this  tale, 
For  my  friend  stated,  though  not  wishing  to  be  quoted, 
"That  absolutely  no  improvement  in  conditions  could  be 
noted" ; 

Which  statement,  I  personally  was  very  sorry  to  hear, 
And  am  under  the  impression,  I  shed  a  stray  tear, 
For  a  tour  of  inspection  like  this  one  only  serves 
To  be  exceedingly  jarring  and  raspy  on  nerves. 
The  old  Murray  Brown  office  stands  near  the  street, 
Further  south,  a  laundry,  where  your  wash  they  will  greet; 
Then  comes  the  photo  gallery,  on  the  corner  the  hotel, 
And,  I'm  informed,  none  of  these  parties  would  openly  rebel, 
Or  believe  that  the  people  were  trying  to  raise  Cain, 
If  they  moved  their  place  of  business  eastward  on  Main, 
And  conditions  with  them  then  would  improve  day  by  day, 
While  the  park,  with  such  a  start,  could  get  well  under  way. 

-  18- 

This  tour  of  inspection  seemed  to  go  from  bad  to  worse, 

And,  I  verily  believe,  it  would  make  a  preacher  curse; 

For  I  doubt  if  any  one  in  Northport  would  really  believe, 

Or  if  the  human  mind  can  fully  conceive, 

The  pile  on  pile  of  apparently  useless  junk 

That  finds  here  an  eternal  place  to  bunk. 

There  are  old  kettles  and  innumerable  old  tin  cans, 

Wheels,  brick-bats,  stones  and  old  frying  pans, 

Remains  of  cabins  and  many  old  steam  boilers 

That,  in  their  hey-day,  had  required  many  toilers; 

And  parts  of  yachts  and  pieces  of  rails 

That,  could  they  speak,  would  weave  wondrous  tales; 


1 66  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


There  are  ropes  of  wire  and  twisted  iron  bars 
Scaled  in  by-gone  days  by  jolly  old  tars; 
While  some  old  cherry  trees  and  some  Sickel  pear 
Add  beauty  in  their  season  to  this  collection  rare. 

-  19- 

In  taking  this  journey  one  should  forget  his  pride, 
And,  for  safety  first,  secure  an  experienced  guide; 
For  since  the  day  when  some  one  first  had  them  carted 
These  stone  piles  and  iron  mountains  have  never  been 
charted ; 

So,  for  your  own  sake,  you  should  be  very  wary, 
And  in  this  proposed  public  park  not  linger  or  tarry; 
For  in  continuing  southward,  your  toe  you  might  stub, 
And  plunge  head  long  into  an  old  ice  cream  tub, 
Or  fall  over  a  huge  pile  of  cement  blocks, 
Thereby  slightly  disarranging  your  hoary  locks, 
Or  some  old  shed  upon  you  might  chance  to  fall, 
Burying  you  completely  under  its  unfriendly  pall. 
Stores,  shanties,  lobster  traps  and  rotting  boards, 
Add  to  the  collection  this  harbor  sector  affords, 
While  the  entire  lot.  I  am  sure  we  will  all  agree, 
Should  long  ago  have  been  classed  as  merely  debris. 

-  20  - 

Is  it  any  wonder  cold  shivers  o'er  me  did  roll 
As  my  friend  so  freely  unburdened  his  soul? 
But,  as  for  me,  I  was  weary  and  faint  at  heart, 
For  his  stinging  statements  cut  me  right  smart. 
And,  I  was  glad  when  he  said,  let  us  now  take  ship 
For  your  proposed,  "middle  of  the  harbor,"  trip. 
So  out  into  the  harbor  the  boat  I  rowed, 
W  hile  in  the  rear  seat  my  friend  was  stowed. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  167 


There  was  one  particular  spot  in  the  harbor  I  sought, 
But  I  noticed  my  friend  seemed  lost  in  thought, 
Tho'  he  gazed  first  to  the  left  and  then  to  the  right, 
But,  for  once  in  his  life,  had  his  lips  sealed  tight, 
And,  thus  we  sat,  as  the  moments  quickly  past, 
Until  finally  the  silence  was  broken  at  last, 
And  I  wish  I  had  both  the  ability  and  time 
To  properly  put  the  things  he  said  into  rhyme. 

-  21  - 

"It  certainly  seems  like  a  downright  shame 
For  all  you  have  here  is  a  harbor  in  name, 
Accessible  only  to  boats  from  the  sea, 
As  any  sane  person  will  surely  agree ; 
And  yet,  in  gazing  intently  at  the  harbor  shore, 
Seeing  circumstances  and  conditions  one  must  deplore, 
By  eliminating  everything  from  yard  to  lighting  plant, 
And  then  viewing  the  landscape  from  the  proper  slant 
Convinces  me,  that,  while  by  man  it  has  been  badly  tainted, 
The  Creator,  in  his  wisdom,  a  masterpiece  here  has  painted ; 
And  it's  up  to  you  people  to  bring  back  its  beauty  again." 
Which  statement  I  would  heartily  second  by  saying  "Amen." 
"Don't  think  what  your  fathers  in  their  wisdom  arranged 
Should  in  this  day  and  generation  never  be  changed; 
For,  by  their  mistakes,  we  should  profit  as  days  come  and  go, 
And  in  the  history  of  this  old  world  it  has  ever  been  so." 

-  22  - 

"And  these  property  owners,  I  really  feel, 
Have  enough  regard  for  the  public  weal 
To  view  such  matters  in  the  proper  light, 
And  accept  for  their  property  what  seems  right; 
Turning  no  reasonable  proposition  or  offer  down, 
For  such  a  park  system  would  help  the  whole  town, 


[68 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


And  such  willingness  would  be  a  sure  manifestation 
Of  a  desire,  on  the  part  of  all.  for  full  co-operation; 
For,  by  such  a  spirit  only,  can  we  hope  to  stand 
And  accomplish  things  that  are  truly  grand. 
So  let  us,  each  one.  respond  to  this  call, 
\s  it  is  by  our  public  spirit  we  rise  or  fall. 
And,  in  this  age  of  progress,  let  none  be  a  knocker 
Or  to  proposed  improvements  be  a  constant  blocker, 
And,  with  such  a  spirit  manifest,  we  are  very  conservative 
W  hen  we  prophesy  rising  to  heights  superlative." 

-23  - 

He  then  stated,  "Please  forget  the  hateful  things  I've  said, 
And  not  place  them  in  print  where  they  can  be  read; 
But  from  this  point  on,  you  can  print  what  you  choose, 
For  I  am  now  going  to  express  fully  my  views, 
And  not  keep  you  a  moment  longer  in  the  dark 
As  to  what  should  be  done  with  this  harbor  park. 
You  say,  that  Northport  should  at  once  start  growing, 
That  with  other  Suffolk  towns,  to  make  a  proper  showing; 
But  I  say,  if  you  really  desire  to  have  Northport  grow, 
To  prospective  home-seekers  you  will  first  have  to  show, 
Besides  first  class  schools,  other  distinguishing  marks, 
-Among  which  are  numbered  one  or  more  public  parks 
From  which  vantage  point  their  sons  and  daughters 
Can  have  access  to  your  invigorating  saline  waters; 
And,  the  increased  population  you  may  have  contemplated 
Will  naturally  follow,  as  improvements  are  consummated. 

-24- 

"The  first  work  to  be  done,  as  you  look  around, 
Is  to  appoint  a  commission  to  purchase  the  ground 
From  all  those  owning  any  property  there, 
And,  in  dealing  with  them,  be  just  and  fair. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  169 

It  would  certainly  then  be  extremely  fine 

To  clean  up  the  property  in  record  time. 

Then,  to  your  attention  next,  I  will  have  to  call 

The  necessity  of  building  a  high  sea  wall ; 

Then  plenty  of  filling  in,  shaping  and  grading  to  do 

The  general  design  of  which  will  be  up  to  you ; 

While  a  large  part  of  the  North  end  I'd  take, 

And  a  beautiful  lagoon  I  there  would  make, 

In  the  center  of  which  a  large  pergola  would  stand, 

Primarily  for  the  use  of  Allie  Willetts  band; 

Yet,  so  beautifully  proportioned  in  every  way 

That  our  young  folks  could  stage  any  kind  of  play. 

-25- 

"  Around  this  lagoon  an  open  amphitheater  could  be  made 
That  would  put  'Rosemary  of  Huntington'  in  the  shade, 
And  here,  our  young  people,  in  numerous  ways 
Could  display  theatrical  talent  in  all  sorts  of  plays, 
Making  us  happy  because  of  their  talents  galore, 
That,  in  the  mad  rush  of  business,  we  ne'er  dreamed  of 
before. 

There  should  be  many  benches  and  some  shady  nooks, 
Where  the  people  could  enjoy  reading  their  books; 
And,  of  course,  you  should  always  be  able  to  find 
Trees,  plants  and  shrubbery  of  every  kind; 
While,  it  seems,  as  if  green  grass  really  talks 
When  it  borders  well  kept  winding  walks. 
While  this  park  might  be  but  one  in  a  million, 
I  certainly  would  have  a  large  dance  pavilion 
Where,  both  the  young  and  old,  may  shake  their  feet 
In  gladsome  and  perfect  rhythm  to  the  music  sweet. 


I  JO 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


-26- 

"There  should,  of  course,  be  plants  of  every  kind  and  hue 
Shedding  forth  beauty  and  fragrance  like  the  morning  dew; 
And,  it  certainly  seems  it  would  be  well  worth  while 
To  depress  this  entire  park  'Italian  garden'  style. 
So  that,  from  Seaview  and  Woodbine,  there  can  be  procured 
A  grand  full  length  view  of  harbor  and  bay  unobscured ; 
W  hile,  about  100  feet  West  of  our  noble  cops'  stand, 
On  each  side  of  the  street,  build  a  large  fountain  grand, 
In  whose  clear  crystal  waters,  that  continually  flow, 
The  elusive  but  beautiful  gold  fish  can  swim  to  and  fro. 
Main  Street  to  the  sea  wall  boulevard  must  be  connected, 
So  that  traffic,  either  right  or  left,  may  be  deflected; 
W  hile,  at  the  extreme  south  end,  there  could  be  nicely 
arranged 

For  every  person's  convenience,  a  sort  of  auto  exchange 
Where  you  could  safely  park  your  car  by  the  hour  or  day, 
And  thus,  the  problem  of  a  congested  Main  Street  get  out 
of  the  way." 

-27- 

I  said  to  my  friend,  "Hold  up!    I  am  completely  lost, 
And  the  people  will  first  want  to  know  the  cost 
Of  this  project  of  yours,  which  sounds  very  fine, 
And  which  will,  no  doubt,  be  done  in  course  of  time; 
But.  if  all  stores  on  Woodbine  you  are  going  to  tear  down. 
Pray  what's  to  become  of  the  merchants  in  that  part  of 
town?" 

He  looked  at  me  in  a  sort  of  contemptible  way, 
And  this  is  exactly  what  he  then  had  to  say : 
"What's  half  a  million  in  taxes,  more  or  less, 
If  all  future  generations  you  can  thereby  bless? 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HjUNTINGTON  171 


And,  in  doing  that,  also  bless  the  world  at  large, 
So  what-e'er  the  ultimate  cost,  it  can't  be  an  excessive 
charge. 

But,  in  addition,  no  one  should  be  like  an  old  drone 
And  feel  he  can  afford  to  live  for  himself  alone." 
To  which  statements,  after  a  moment's  due  reflection, 
No  one,  I  am  sure,  could  seriously  take  exception. 

-  28  - 

"Your  point  is  well  taken,  as  to  what  Woodbine  merchants 
can  do, 

But,  I  hasten  to  assure  you,  I  have  that  figured  out,  too. 
And  old  shack  on  East  Woodbine,  standing  in  plain  sight. 
For  years  nowT  on  Northport's  beauty  has  been  a  great  blight, 
From  there  to  the  corner  drug  store  it  is  just  a  few  doors 
But  ample  space  to  erect  half  a  dozen  nice  stores; 
And  it  certainly  would  enhance  greatly  the  beauty  of  youi 
town, 

If  buildings  from  Henschell's  to  Brush's  were  all  torn  down, 
And  brick  or  concrete  buildings  installed  in  their  place, 
Wherein  the  balance  of  your  merchants  could  find  ample 
space. 

I  ask,  is  there  in  Northport  a  person  with  sense  of  beauty  so 
blunted 

Or  whose  views  of  right  and  duty  to  the  future  so  com- 
pletely stunted, 

As  to  fail  to  realize  these  changes  for  which  I  have  pleaded 
Are  not  only  for  present  betterment  but  are  absolutely 
needed  ? 

And,  I  believe,  their  consummation  affords  the  only  op- 
portunity 

Whereby  you  can  expect  any  material  growth  of  your 
community. 


[72  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

-29- 

"When  this  park  is  completed  it  will  be  the  talk  of  the  state, 
And  every  autoist  in  the  country  to  his  friends  will  relate 
That,  for  beauty  of  location  and  for  its  artistic  design, 
There  is  nothing  can  compare  with  it  in  any  other  clime. 
\s  tourists  approach  from  the  east  and  the  scene  bursts  on 
their  sight, 

It  will  do  your  heart  good  to  hear  their  expressions  of 
delight, 

Such  as,  isn't  it  beautiful,  lovely  wonderful,  simply  mag- 
nificent ! 

And  there  are  not  in  the  dictionary  descriptive  adjectives 
sufficient 

To  describe  to  the  mind,  or  picture,  paint  or  try  to  portray 
The  harmonious  beauties  reflected  by  park,  harbor  and  bay  ; 
And  while  we  have  travelled  practically  the  whole  world 
round, 

There  is  no  place  in  creation  where  its  equal  can  be  found. 
And  words  simply  fail  us  its  virtues  and  beauties  to  recite. 
We  can  only  say,  our  inmost  being  is  stirred  with  rapture 
and  delight, 

That  has  so  captivated  mind  and  spirit  that  we  cannot 
refrain 

From  purchasing  a  home  in  Northport  and  with  you  remain. 

-  30  - 

"Some  day  one  of  these  purchasers,  you  never  can  tell, 
Maybe  a  multi-millionaire  will  come  here  to  dwell. 
A  man  of  nobility,  whose  moral  fibre  and  texture, 
And  public  welfare  spirit  is  like  that  of  August  Heckscher, 
Who  will  purchase  the  property  from  shipyard  to  James 
Street, 

Making  this  beautiful  public  park  northward  thereby  com- 
plete. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


While  some,  of  course,  may  feel  constrained  to  knock, 
At  the  foot  of  James  Street  build  your  public  dock. 
However,  don't  wait  for  the  millionaire  to  move  here, 
But  start  developing  this  park  during  this  present  year; 
For  the  longer  you  wait,  certainly,  the  more  it  will  cost, 
Besides,  by  delay  much  precious  time  will  be  lost, 
While,  if  it  is  started  now,  you  can  in  fullest  measure 
In  its  progress  and  development  derive  greatest  pleasure; 
Then,  too,  I  want  to  get  this  park  completed  and  out  of  the 
way, 

For  I  have  other  important  things  I  now  want  to  say. 

-31- 

"Now  that  this  park  is  completed  with  its  beauties  untold, 
I  have  a  still  greater  vision  I  wish  to  unfold. 
And  you  may  call  me  a  loafer,  or  only  a  dreamer, 
Or  perhaps  worse  still,  a  consummate  schemer, 
And  that  such  a  plan  as  mine  is  not  only  not  feasible, 
But  lacks  even  a  suggestion  of  being  at  all  reasonable. 
Remembering  how  government  surveyors,  with  well  laid 
plans, 

Reported  that  where  the  business  section  of  Chicago  now 
stands 

Was  the  only  spot  on  Lake  Michigan's  entire  shore 
Where  it  would  be  impossible  to  erect  any  kind  of  a  store, 
I  not  only  take  courage,  but  believe  it  would  pay 
To  get  this  great  undertaking  at  once  under  way; 
And  when  it  is  completed,  I  am  sure  all  will  declare 
There  is  nothing  on  earth  can  with  it  compare. 
AVhich  statements,  if  true,  calls  for  immediate  measures 
To  give  us  these  greatest  of  all  sight  seeing  pleasures. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


"That  great  sea  wall  of  which  I  previously  made  mention, 
Is  the  great  undertaking  to  which  I  now  direct  your  at- 
tention, 

And  is  that  sea  wall  broadened  into  a  great  imperial  way 
That  has  no  counterpart  anywhere  in  the  world  today. 
While  some  might  desire  this  long  name  to  distort, 
Let  us  christen  it,  at  present,  'Boulevard  DeLuxe,  Xorth- 
port.' 

This  great  avenue  shall  be  four  and  twenty  feet  wide, 
So  that  three  automobiles  can  travel  side  by  side. 
While  on  the   water  side  there  shall  be  a   four  foot 
promenade, 

The  people  amply  protected  by  a  strong  balustrade. 

Every  fifty  feet  on  so  the  specifications  shall  call 

For  observation  niches  or  stations  along  the  harbor  wall, 

Where  the  people  at  ease  and  with  mind  serene, 

Can  in  comfort  enjoy  the  most  magnificent  scene 

That  is  on  every  side,  north,  east,  south  and  west, 

Until  it  is  difficult  to  decide  which  view  is  the  best. 

-33- 

''This  imperial  highway  shall  to  the  northward  extend, 
Until  into  Asharoken  Beach  road  it  shall  gently  blend; 
While  that  road  should  be  widened,  and,  by  all  that  is  right, 
Be  continued  onward  up  to  Eaton's  Xeck  Light, 
Where  another  wonderful  view  at  once  greets  the  eye, 
Either  by  land  or  water,  or  by  the  blue  decked  sky. 
Retracing  our  route  and  back  to  Xorthport  once  more, 
We  find  ourselves  traveling  along  the  Woodbine  shore, 
Which  should  be  filled  in  to  the  sea  wall  mark, 
And,  if  properly  graded,  would  make  another  fine  park. 
The  Lighting  plant  lease  in  about  ten  years  will  expire. 
They  should  then  have  made  enough  to  want  to  retire, 


TOWXSHIP  OF  HUXTIXGTOX 


*75 


Or,  at  least,  be  willing  to  move  across  the  street, 
That  an  unobstructed  park  and  harbor  view  may  then  be 
complete. 

So  that  from  James  Street  northward,  this  great  park  would 
reach 

More  than  a  mile  to  the  southward  to  Harvey's  Beach. 

-34- 

"From  Harvey's  Beach  westward  this  avenue  must  swerve. 

And,  in  doing  so,  it  will  be  done  in  a  very  graceful  curve 

Which,  of  course,  will  bring  us  out  on  the  western  shore 

Where  the  problem  of  construction  won't  bother  any  more. 

I  have  no  doubt  now,  it  is  perfectly  plain  to  you. 

That  this  road  continues  around  Little  XTeck,  too, 

Following  the  water  just  as  closely  as  it  can, 

Until  finally  we  arrive  at  the  Centerport  dam, 

From  which  point,  in  a  couple  of  moments  at  least, 

You  reach  the  main  road  and  can  go  west  or  east 

Over  concrete  roads  absolutely  free  from  jar, 

If  you  are  riding  in  any  decent  sort  of  a  car. 

But,  to  return  to  terra  firma.  I  see  by  your  smile 

You  probably  think  I'm  crazy  most  of  the  while, 

But  to  me.  I  assure  you,  it  is  as  plain  as  day, 

We  should  plan  to  start  at  once  this  great  highway. 

-35- 

''What's  the  use  of  always  first  counting  the  cost, 

For,  by  delay,  a  vast  project  like  this  may  be  lost, 

And,  I  perceive  my  thoughts  have  been  so  blended, 

That  the  purpose  of  this  avenue  you  have  not  comprehended ; 

But,  wrhen  fully  explained,  you  will  have  perceived, 

It  is  the  greatest  auto  avenue  ever  conceived ; 

For  from  Cold  Spring  hill,  through  that  village  pretty, 

And  on  into  Huntington,  now  a  large,  beautiful  city, 


176  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

With  mansions  grand  and  artistic  town  hall, 
The  historic  First  Church,  with  its  steeple  tall, 
Of  Revolutionary  days  it  is  a  well  known  mark, 
While,  near  by,  is  the  beautiful  Heckscher  park. 
Onward  you  go  through  wooded  hill  and  dale, 
As  o'er  concrete  roads  leads  the  Sunrise  Trail . 
Tnto  Centerport  Village,  whose  harbor  fair, 
Set  in  silver  and  emerald,  makes  a  picture  rare. 

-36- 

"Rounding  Centerport  Harbor,  your  speed  you  retard 
At  the  entrance  to  'Northport  DeLuxe  Boulevard,' 
As,  for  the  present  at  least,  it  will  cost  each  one  bone, 
To  Eaton's  Neck  Light  and  return  back  home; 
But  you  can  then  proceed  merrily  on  your  way, 
From  Centerport  Harbor  to  Huntington  Bay, 
And,  in  rounding  Little  Neck,  every  one  thrills 
At  the  sight  of  Northport  nestling  in  the  hills, 
Robed  in  her  mantle  of  silver  and  green, 
For  beauty  of  location  she  is  easily  queen; 
And  no  longer  to  Switzerland  need  any  one  roam, 
As  we  have  prettier  scenery  right  here  at  home. 
Down  the  west  side  of  the  harbor  you  ride, 
But  your  eyes  are  still  gazing  at  the  other  side, 
And  unconsciously,  perhaps,  that  beautiful  picture 
On  your  mind  has  become  a  permanent  fixture. 

-37- 

"I  have  been  told  that  government  officials  say, 
That  the  healthiest  section  in  the  good  old  U.  S.  A. 
Is  the  North  shore  of  Long  Island,  as  the  figures  attest, 
From  Horton's  Point  on  the  East,  to  Sands  Point  on  the 
West ; 


TOWXSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  177 


So  that  if  Northport,  as  a  health  center,  is  noised  around, 

The  people  by  thousands  will  flock  to  your  town, 

No  longer  looking  in  vain  for  cooling  fountains 

In  the  Adirondacks  or  famous  Catskill  mountains. 

Ordinarily,  to  house  these  thousands  would  be  a  puzzle, 

And  a  very  difficult  problem  with  which  to  juggle, 

But  back  of  where  the  sea  wall  the  harbor  crosses 

Are  hundreds  of  acres  of  meadows  and  mosses, 

That,  when  filled  in  and  graded,  would  be  as  good  as  gold, 

And  at  very  substantial  figures,  could  then  be  sold; 

While  for  beauty  of  location,  no  other  place  excels 

For  the  erection  of  one  or  more  first  class  hotels. 

-38- 

"These  hotels  would  add  to  the  glorious  landscape  fair, 
And  the  views  from  their  verandas  be  one  of  beauty  rare, 
While  their  grounds  would  provide  golf  links  and  tennis 
courts, 

As  well  as  ample  play  ground  for  all  kinds  of  sports; 
And  if  the  Long  Island  Railroad  displays  no  inclination 
To  give  the  traveling  public  and  commuters  some  con- 
sideration, 

And  has  curtly  turned  a  deaf  eai,  whenever  they  have 
applied 

To  have  the  matter  given  attention  and  the  North  Shore 
electrified, 

Then  establish  your  own  auto  service,  free  from  dust  and 
cinders, 

And  the  Long  Island,  if  it  chooses,  can  then  go  to  flinders, 
For  you  know  in  auto  seeing  busses  you  can  now  enjoy  the 
day 

Traveling  from  New  York  to  Philadelphia  and  up  Boston 
way, 


i78 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


And  through  auto  busses  to  the  city  would  indeed  be  very 
fine. 

Making  the  trip,  undoubtedly,  in  about  the  usual  time; 
So  it  it  still  refuses  what  you  ask  for,  with  auto  busses  then 
contend 

And  on  the  Long  Island  Railroad  no  longer  you'll  depend. 

-39" 

"But  if  the  Railroad  will  electrify  the  North  Shore  within  a 
year, 

And  Northport  will  at  once  start  these  vast  improvements 
here, 

Then,  I  am  sure,  that  fair  Miami  with  its  great  boom  in  land 
Would  be  as  nothing  in  comparison  with  the  one  right  here 
at  hand, 

And  the  wonderful  growth  you  longed  for  no  one  could 
checkmate 

For  from  Commack  to  Centerport  there  wouldn't  be  enough 
real-estate 

To  meet  the  vast  demands  upon  you,  it  is  perfectly  clear, 
Of  the  thousands  of  commuters  who  would  wish  to  locate 
here. 

In  a  year  or  two,  no  doubt,  you  would  say  Northport  far 
outranks 

Every  town  in  Suffolk  with  its  department  stores  arid  banks, 
And  that  unquestionably  she  alone  occupies  the  berth 
As  the  most  wonderful  and  beautiful  of  all  the  towns  of 
earth. 

Isn't  such  a  visionary  town  as  that  worth  your  striving  for? 
And,  as  years  come  and  go,  you  will  realize  more  and  more 
That  striving  and  working  has  helped  you  attain  such  a 
lofty  mark, 

Yet  your  success  really  dates  from  when  you  started  North- 
port  Park. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON'  179 


-40- 

"In  our  auto,  as  I  recall,  we  were  on  the  way  to  Eaton's  Neck 
When  we  stopped  temporarily  two  large  hotels  to  erect; 
So  we  will  continue  the  journey  now  along  the  Northport 
side, 

And,  I  am  free  to  confess,  I  never  had  such  a  beautiful  ride. 
The  park  from  Harvey's  Beach  northward  was  truly  in  its 

glory, 

But  if  I  attempted  to  describe  it,  you  would  say,  'exag- 
gerated story!' 
So  I  have  about  concluded  the  best  thing  for  me  to  do, 
Is  to  say,  take  the  ride,  then  you'll  agree  with  me,  too. 
Along  toward  famous  Asharoken  Beach  we  rolled, 
Each  moment  the  scenery  new  beauties  did  unfold, 
While  the  trip  across  the  beach  was  indeed  a  great  pleasure 
And  one,  that  as  long  as  I  live,  I  shall  always  treasure. 
The  view  from  the  light  house,  too,  I  shall  ever  hold  dear, 
For  the  weather  this  day  was  exceptionally  clear, 
And,  on  the  literal  truth,  I  am  casting  no  reflection 
When  I  say,  you  could  see  for  miles  in  every  direction. 

-41  - 

"If  at  Eaton's  Xeck  Light  you  build  a  dock  substantial 
Ir  would  unquestionably  pay  from  a  standpoint,  financial, 
To  keep  two  large  auto  ferries,  running  throughout  the  day. 
From  Eaton's  Neck  to  Connecticut  via  Rhoton  Point  way 
And  to  me  at  least,  it  seems  perfectly  clear, 
These  ferries  should  run  from  May  to  November  each  year, 
So  that  many  thousands  of  New  England  people,  I  ween 
On  the  Grand  Concourse  in  season,  may  daily  be  seen, 
While  New  York  City  hosts  that  are  New  England  bound 
.    Would  pay  any  old  price,  in  order  Little  Neck  to  round, 
So  when  concourse  and  ferry  are  completed  none  need  fear, 
The  whole  outfit  would  be  paid  for  inside  the  third  year. 


180  HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 

If  then  for  a  paying  investment  you  are  looking  around. 
You  can  rest  assured,  none  better  than  this  can  be  found. 
Let  us  not  waver  then,  saying,  it  might  have  been  so, 
But  let  us  at  once  get  together,  and  make  it  a  go. 

-42- 

"No  one  should  deem  it  strange,  and  least  of  all  as  funny, 
When  I  say  this  vast  project  will  cost  huge  sums  of  money, 
But  the  boulevard  will  soon  follow  and  everything  be  fine, 
If  Northport  will  contrive  to  build  this  park  in  record  time. 
Everyone  in  the  Town  of  Huntington  should  be  interested 
most  vitally 

And,  by  hearty  co-operation,  could  assist  you  most  mightily, 
While  for  the  fame  and  glory  that  would  come  to  Suffolk 
County, 

She  should  be  extremely  liberal  and  bestow  on  you  her 
bounty. 

While  your  good  Supervisor  should  not  only  get  permission 
But  the  most  hearty  support  of  the  Long  Island  Park  Com- 
mission, 

And  Worthy  George  L.  the  State  Highway  Department's 

aid  could  secure, 
While  this  backing  by  the  state  the  success  of  the  project 

would  insure. 

And  when  the  Rivers  and  Harbors  Appropriation  Bill  is  in 
the  makin', 

Y'our  Congressman  Robert  L.  should  include  this  boulevard 
in  the  Bacon, 

So  that  with  this  array  of  talent  and  financial  assistance, 
It  would  be  foolhardy  for  any  one  to  offer  up  resistance. 

-43- 

"The  cost  of  this  wonderful  auto  drive  would  not  entail 
As  much  as  the  Storm  King  Highway  or  the  Mohawk  Trail, 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON  181 


While  both  those  beautiful  thoroughfares  would  not  be  in  it 
In  comparison  with  this  grand  boulevard,  for  a  single 
minute; 

And  every  year  thousands  will  come  from  near  and  far, 
That  can  possibly  afford  to  own  any  kind  of  a  car; 
And,  it  seems  as  if,  it  would  be  entirely  within  reason 
To  expect  half  a  million  people  during  the  first  season, 
And  half  a  million  dollars,  I  fully  believe,  by  heck 
Would  pay  for  the  entire  boulevard  around  Little  Neck, 
And  putting  the  entire  cost  at  two  million,  as  a  conservative 
guess, 

Then,  at  most,  five  years  admissions,  and  possibly  less 
Would  pay  for  the  entire  outfit,  and  it  could  then  be  made 
free, 

Except  a  mere  nominal  charge,  as  a  maintenance  fee, 
And  the  present  generation,  as  well  as  all  the  ages  to  come 
Would  shower  their  blessings  upon  you  for  the  noble  work 
done." 

-44- 

"So  make  this  positive  statement,  for  it  is  not  an  idle  dream, 
That  this  vast  project  will  be  a  big  money  making  scheme 
To  any  one  who  is  capable  of  seeing  and  thinking  clearly, 
As  I  can  guarantee  an  income  of  half  a  million  yearly. 
So  what  Huntington  and  Northport  should  now  desire 
In  fact  it  seems  to  me  that  you  absolutely  require 
Large  men,  having  a  due  regard  for  their  civic  duty, 
Men  of  high  honor  and  who  have  an  eye  for  beauty ! 
Men  of  great  vision  and  of  sterling  and  financial  worth 
Who  by  completing  this  work  will  enrich  the  people  of  earth. 
Men  of  great  hearts,  much  faith  and  with  courage  strong, 
And  who  can  always  distinguish  between  right  and  wrong. 
Men  who  are  lovers  and  proud  of  village,  state  and  nation 
WTho  heartily  appreciate  all  the  works  of  creation, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


And  who  are  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  fullest  measure 
That   all    future   generations   may   derive   the  greatest 
pleasure." 

-45- 

What's  the  use  of  dreaming  unless  your  dreams  come  true, 
And  what  particular  object  is  there  in  telling  my  dream  to 
you, 

Unless  through  our  dreaming  and  our  scheming  we  help 

the  world  along, 
Lightening  the  burdens  of  the  weary  with  our  cheerful  song  ? 
While  thus  musing,  I  awoke  from  this  beautiful  dream, 
And  a  year  and  a  half  had  elapsed,  it  would  seem, 
So  that  it  was  nineteen  twenty-seven,  October  the  ioth  day, 
And  my  friend  in  our  parlor  wishes  to  see  me  they  say. 
"Good  morning,"  he  said,  "Today  I  gave  business  the  slip. 
To  come  out  here  and  with  you,  take  the  same  old  trip;" 
But  this  time  there  was  nothing  to  be  kept  in  the  dark, 
Se  we  went  immediately  to  the  entrance  to  the  park, 
And  truly  here  was  the  beginning  of  another  perfect  day, 
As,  Marvelous!  beautiful!  magnificent!  was  all  he  could  say, 
Until  finally,  emerging  from  his  enchantment,  he  then 

did  ask 

"How  and  when  did  the  people  perform  this  seemingly 
impossible  task?" 

-46- 

"The  credit  is  yours,  for  you  recall,  on  another  similar  day 
You  outlined  to  me  in  a  very  definite  and  beautiful  way, 
How  Northport  should  grow  and  become  the  most  beautiful 
town 

That  could  be  found  anywhere,  the  entire  world  around. 
I  spread  broadcast  your  vision  and  we  did  then  all  consult, 
And  you  see  here  before  you  this  truly  marvelous  result. 


TOWNSHIP  OF  HUNTINGTON 


It  was  really  in  nineteen  twenty  six,  month  of  May; 
The  people  first  came  together  in  a  constructive  way 
And  each  person  to  his  neighbor  did  then  confess, 
That  of  natural  beauties  we  do  certainly  possess 
A  bountiful  and  almost  inexhaustible  store, 
As  one's  enraptured  vision  scans  the  harbor  shore, 
So  let  us  start  this  great  work  at  once,  for  we  know  we  can 
Make  these  God  given  beauties  a  blessing  to  man; 
So  for  your  vision  please  accept  our  profound  esteem  and 
regard, 

And  let  us  now  take  a  spin  on  this  DeTuxe  Boulevard." 

-  47  - 

0 

I  knew,  for  the  first  view  he  had  received,  his  heart  still 
yearned, 

So  as  we  entered  the  Grand  Concourse  we  southward  turned, 
And  I  directed  the  chauffeur  to  stop  at  the  Hotel  "Harbor 
Grand," 

Which,  when  it  was  constructed,  was  so  beautifully  planned, 
That  on  every  side  and  for  every  floor,  there  is  an  esplanade, 
Where   the  hotel   patrons   to   their   hearts   content  can 
promenade, 

Either  winter  or  summer,  north,  east,  south  or  west, 
Which-ever  direction  may  suit  their  fancy  best. 
Taking  the  elevator  to  the  roof  garden,  above  the  tenth  floor, 
Brings  you  to  a  place  of  beauty,  one  cannot  help  but  adore. 
In  extent  five  hundred  feet  long  by  two  hundred  wide, 
To  harmonize  with  the  landscrape,  the  owners  have  tried 
By  installing  palms,  shrubs,  plants,  ferns  and  greenery, 
That  any  one  would  designate  as  beautiful  scenery, 
Being  steam  heated  and  glass  enclosed  in  fall  and  winter 
time, 

There  is  no  longer  necessity  of  seeking  a  southern  clime. 


I  84 


HISTORY  OF  THE  ORIGINAL 


-48- 

h  was  in  such  beautiful  surroundings  on  this  October  day, 
My  friend  again  became  enraptured  with  Northport  Bay 
And  exclaimed,  "There  is  no  other  place  in  this  great  land 
W  here  one  can  view  such  magnificent  scenery  on  every 
hand. 

And  nowhere,  me  thinks,  can  its  counterpart  be  found, 
Though  you  carefully  search  the  whole  world  around; 
This  glorious  autumn  sun,  with  her  warm  caress, 
Has  arrayed  all  nature  in  a  most  gorgeous  dress, 
That  in  conjunction  with  landscape,  water  and  azure  blue, 
Simply  baffles  description,  it  is  certainly  true, 
And  everything  appears  to  be  so  beautiful  and  grand, 
That  it  almost  seems  like  living  in  a  fairy  land, 
And  I  have  decided  that  I  shall  no  longer  roam  . 
When  I  can  enjoy  such  scenery  right  here  at  home. 
And  I  have  therefore  concluded  in  Northport  to  dwell, 
By  permanently  residing  at  this  Harbor  Grand  Hotel." 

-49- 

This  beautiful  vision  of  Northport,  will  it  come  true? 
The  question  can  only  be  answered  by  you  and  you 
At  once  getting  together  and  making  a  united  start 
For  this  glorious  beauty  of  beauties,  "Northport  Park." 

FINIS. 


CD 


C 

O 

cj 

S3 
CX 

cu 

— 

ju 

•  « 

CD 
CD 
O 
CX 

cu 

Jd 


•a 


cu 

CD 

§ 


CCD 

a  cu 


cu 

CD 
O 
XI 


CU 

r-  ^ 

O  i 

X  CN 


> 

< 

•— 

.2 

cu 

u 

> 

c 

22 

3  Oh 


03 


CD 


cu 

> 
o 


h4 

< 

til     CD  'cD 


S  £ 

o  ^ 
-*->  . 

Oh  Q 

CD 

CD  -rt 
CU  £ 

CD 

o 
a. 
c 

Ih 

♦h  Oh 

cd  ~ 

> 

-  >> 

Ih 
O 
+-> 

CD 


CD 


C 

eg 

h4 

Ih 

CU 

-a 
c 
o 

aj  cu 


o 
o 


x 

_  cu 

«  ? 

i— i 


cu 

Ih 

5  S 


co  tn 

CU 


•H        -»<  *~ 

cu  c3  rt 

f  H     f  H  ■~-> 


c 


e 

Ph! 

CD 

£  ti 

ir  ctj 
cu  ^ 

£  CD 

CD  C 

5  x  & 

»0  cd  N 
cu    cu  •  - 

x  .ti 


^J 


tN*  ON  t^N,  hH  cv  o 
in  IT)  rj-  Tj-  M    M  cn 


i-  fO  o 


CD 

CU 

>  CU 

<  $ 

^  -a 
2  o  ^ 

o  H> 

-id 


cu 
> 

CU 

m 


CU 

CD 
CD 
CU 
> 

cu 
» ~< 

Q 
i 


o 

Q 

Q 

CU 
— 

CD 

o 


C 


cu 

CU 

CU 

'  cu 

> 

> 

> 

'  > 

< 

:  < 

•  2 

cu 

cu 

CU 

•  cu 

J* 

•  ^ 

u 

Ih 

Ih 

— 

-r 

> 

> 

•  1—J 

<u 
C 


CD 
CU 


■r. 

CD 
CU 

«-t-H  C-' 


o 

cj  G 

s  < 

cU 


2  o 

CU 


o  8  bp2 

*i  O  3  cd 
3    v.    J-    cj    C  r3 


b  ^ 


cu 

CU 


c^ 


CU 
CJ 
w 

c 


CU 

Ih 

CU  P3 


cu 

Ih 

a 

bjo  cu 

c  y 
°^  1 


cu 


rX  5  be 


c3 
-*-> 

cu 

CJ 

> 
u 

cu 

c7} 


O 


= 


CD 

cu 


u 

c 


t  f-H  S— c 


Ih 

c 

CD 


cu 


J^fo  <  cu 

»  c        £  ^  ^ 

g    i—  c  -3 

O    cu  C    cj  r 

C   O  cu  .ti   p3  ccJ 

K>  K>  K>       YQ,  Q, 


CU 

Ih 

c 

-4—1 

m 


CJ 

t/3 


<U 
C 

o 

On 

QL,  ^ 


m  00 

\Q  CM 


*1  ir, 
—    "  l 


CO 


X 


-f-  ^> 

o 


c 

o 

-t-> 
cd 

o 

O 


CO 

CO 

CU 

.s 

'  CD 

CQ 


<u 
o 
e 
cd 

CO 


Cd 


»-■ 

cd 

> 

3 

o 
pa 


Eh 

o 

co 

> 

O 


co 

~PM 

°^  -s  ^ 

'0J3  G  (fl 

a  <  S 


CO 

rt 

CO  cu 
bjo 
cd 
u 

cd 


O  o 


cu 


> 
-a 

CQ 

Ih 

cd 
> 
JU 

3 

o 

CQ 


O 

o 

o 
CO 


CO 

Ih 
cd 

a 


Ui 

cu 

O  <u 


cu 

CU 


U 


C    CU  co 

^  J  Jr° 

2  co  C  C  en 

*-<     CU    CU  CU  a; 

CO    -*->    4>  <L»  -4-1 

<U     Cd     V-  »h  Cd 


o 
<u 

O 

t/T 

"cu 
CU 

en 

C 

O 


o 

O 


o 


cu 
cu 
in 

-4— > 

co 


cd 


00 
CO 


S3 
o 

JJL  'B 
C  CQ 
cd 

CQ 


cd 

cu 

CO 

00 
ro 


Ih 

<U 

Id 

<u 

Q 

4-* 

^cu 
o 

Ih 

> 

CU 

O 

cd 
CQ  £ 


'cd 

cu 

Q 

a 


U  U 


d 

C 

i— i 

6 

V 

co 

C 

O 

CO 

o3 

CQ 

CQ 

co 

CQ 

E 

>, 

cd 

•  <u 

a  & 
o  c 
•4a  o 

cd  O 
+-> 
u. 

O 

^  c 

C 


'Si 

>H  > 

•r  °o 

Oh  ro 


bJO 


CO 


cu  <u  o 
^        co  •— 1 
cd  ffi   o  ^ 


s  > 


cd 


CO 

£  O 
3  ^ 


CO  k— - 1 

S  „  §  M  m  13  ^ 

D    CJ    O         "    fl »  a_3 


C 

o 

— 


&  CQ 


o 
U 

o  8 

CU  Tj 

°  ° 

&  4  & 

"C  co 

co    ifi  T 

5    ~  ^ 

^    C  £ 

CQ  O  — 


o 

a 

Ui 

O 

o 
Q 

CO 

Ph  S  CO 
w    cu  c. 


cd 


C 

o 
O 


d 

X  Tf  o       o  'p 

CL  00  vO        0}  V? 


00 


o 

■  «— I 

-*-> 
o3 
cj 

O 


<  <  2 

PQ 

O  O 


<L>  <U 


c 

co 
C 
<u 
bjQ 
j- 
O 


o3 

go* 
• »— i 

co  o 

w  3 


cj 

c 

o3 

CO 

C 

o3  *d 


V 


•  »— I 


co 


o 

-t-» 
cj 
o3 

i-l 
-(-> 

c 

o 


til  ^ 
c3  O 


co 

, — i 

o3  V 


bJO 


b/3  O 


5  IS  ° 


S  P£  P4 


5-     Vh     £  ^ 

S  <^  PQ  Ph 


<j 


u 
bJO 


co 


03 


£ 

o3 


C 

a; 

on 

co 
<U 

C 
c 

o3 
O 


a. 
o 
X 
w 

co 
O 


x 

p  l 


CO 


u 
•  i— 

X 

X 

XJ 

> 
< 


o 

I — I 

< 
O 

O 

EG 


N 


t/)     C/3  N 

"S  '5  — 

o3        o  ^ 


-t-» 
c 


-c 
c 


M    0)  H 


00 


O 

a 

p^  Sf 

o  .s 


CO  03 


03  O 


to 
c 

.  1—1 

m  xh  ^ 

03    03  OO 


CO 


o 


o 
o3 


03 

u 


03 

CO 


£  ° 

lo  ^ 
03 


a 

^  o3 


0> 

bJO 
03 
v- 
o3 

o 


a; 


co 

C 
■ »— i 

N 
o3 
bJO 
03 


O 
cj 

CJ 

o3 

rQ 

o 


ffl  O  Pn  ^ 


o 

o3^. 
O  ^  ^ 
c  ^  c 

<  <  CD 


CO  <l> 

03  Vi 

^  co 

CO 

3  co 


o3  -  i=* 

3  O  O 

in  g  pq 

»-T  bJO  4^ 

<U  03  m-i 

^  J>  03 

ai  a!  Vh 


cu 
B 
O 

£3.  00 

to 


CO 
00 


00  00 
CO 


00 


00 

I" 


O  K  ^  iO  Tf 
ts,        ^  h  m 

HH     CO  HH 


ON   LO   Tf  tO 

m      <n  <N 


o3 
CJ 

O 

hJ 


u 

<v 

'3 
pq 

C  cj 
OQ  g 

o 
CJ 


CU 
U 

Ui 

U 


•  fcuO 

<u 


CO 

c 

"3 


<U 
> 

< 
<U 

c 
IS 

1 

o 


go 

c 

03 


cu 

be 
-*-> 

o 


c 

03 

a 


-(-< 
03 

+J 

03  <U 

_  o  13 

s  ^ 

c 


03 


O  rt 


fi  .=       23  „- 


o3  v 

2  § 
u 


d  o 

C  X 


to  CO 

co  co 


°3 

"3 

u 

CJ 
CU 

s 


cu 

> 
o 
J* 


o3 


be 

.5  1/1 

hH    t-i  C 

ffl  "S 

n|8gl 


cu 
3 


o3  « 


co     co  oo 

rt        pj  rt 

tO  to  O  M 

vo  ^O  On  >o 


CU 
CJ 

c 

o3 
u 

3 

c/5 

C 


o  -a 

c 

03  O 


V 
-i— » 

o3 


o 

CJ 

O 

Q 


1.2 


cu 
O 


O  -m  J5  ^ 


b  u  s fe  Sw 


£  §  ^ 


03 
In 

cu 

03  C 

cu  cu 


o 

cj 


■8 

O 


CU 

O 

-4— > 


h4  -d 


o3  03 


CU 

> 

cu 

>,C/}  CO 
o3    ^-  r- 

OQ  .§  .5 

03  o3 
<u  ^  ^ 

CJ 

*0  to 

o 


cu 

CJ 
I— 

o3 
S 


00 

.s 


1  8 


CJO 
C 


U  Oh 


03 
C 

CJ 


■3  S  §  S  Ao 

C    o         2  C 
CO        M  J= 

>^  V-  cu    cu    2  ^ 


u 

o3 

1  cu 


ffi  "  .2  ^  •=  -c 

c  O  til 

cu   o3  ^4  r  *S 

a  b  e5  ^  s  £ 


o 
O 


c 

o3 

a. 


cu 


o3 


cu 

>  C 


•  -    u  ^_ 

ffi  O  Q  C 
—    ^    ^  ^ 


"M    U    In  Ci 

c  o  o  o 


^ :  ^  X  X  X 


o  . 

n,  h  o\  ?i  c 


O  00 
3" 


CO  <N 
On  <M 


CO 


tx 


,    r-H  HJ 

CO     •  ^  3  > 

O  «  < 

2  C 

O 


4h  ^ 


1) 
U 

V  *> 
Ox  u 

O  CO  O 

co  .% 

•  ^  Tj 

r-t     <D  H 


t/3 


(J 
S3 
rt 

C/5 


<J->  P-, 


C/3 

- 

C 

rt 

co 


CO 


rt 


> 

< 


u 


O 

O 


Ih 

O 


'S2  1- 


CO 
i- 
rt 


=3 


bo" 

>6S  8 

^1  "  03   w  U> 


rt 


rt 


PQ  pq  !U 


W  *!h  >^ 


.2  o 

co  *  ^ 

O  S3  u 

cj      75  K 


Ih 


C    £    x   ^    fll    ^  K^ 


bfl 


C  ~  c^  ^  —  —  co 


S  CO 


> 


Ih  ^ 


be 


one 


O 

O 


Ph 

— 

0> 


en 
p , 

O 

r- 

CO 

+J 

rt 
O 

Ih 


00 


C  CO 
O  - 

-4— > 


5  c 


a; 


^  o3 
.  ^«  i- 

—    x  ^ 

Tt 


co 

— 


CO 

"c3 


u 


(/3 

bfl 


i£3   ^  co 


o 


a 


7t    C  p3 


3  «  °  ^  a 

c  =  rt  c-  v-;  2 

«  <u  o  c  §  ^ 

l_J  t-l  i-l  V 


-  — 

CO  ^ 


CO 


rt 

CO 


CO 


O 
O 


CO 


y:  U\  > 


be 


rt 

2  t 
^  "C  -S  -g 

LCC    Hi  i—  rt 

CO 


g 

a; 

Ih 
U 

CO 

> 
rt 
u 

o 
=3 


— 

CO 


Ch 

Q 

"a; 
> 
rt 

a 

c 

rt 
CO 


